Quick answer: Probate in Georgia typically costs 3%–8% of the gross estate. On a $500,000 estate that's roughly $30,000–$42,000 — most of it the executor commission (about $25,000 under O.C.G.A. § 53-6-60) and the attorney fee. Get your own figure with the Georgia probate cost calculator.
The four costs, line by line
1. Executor commission — the fixed, statutory cost
Georgia is unusual in setting the executor's commission by statute. Under O.C.G.A. § 53-6-60, the personal representative receives 2.5% of every dollar received into the estate and 2.5% of every dollar paid out — about 5% of the money handled — plus up to 3% on in-kind property and 10% on interest. This is the executor's right and does not need court approval for the cash portion.
Executors who are also heirs often waive the commission, because it is taxable income to them while an inheritance is not.
2. Attorney fees — negotiated, not fixed
Georgia has no statutory attorney-fee schedule (unlike California or Florida). Fees are "reasonable" and reviewed by the probate court. Typical ranges:
- Uncontested estate: flat fee of about $3,000–$8,000 (common in Atlanta, Savannah, Augusta and Columbus firms).
- Contested or complex: hourly billing, often $20,000+.
See probate attorney fees in Georgia for how to keep this down.
3. Court filing & publication
The county filing fee to open the estate is typically $150–$250, and Georgia requires publishing a creditor notice (about $50–$150). Certified copies and recording add smaller amounts. Details in our Georgia filing fees guide.
4. Bond, appraisal and other costs
If the executor must post a bond (often waived for family members), the premium scales with estate value. Real estate or business assets may need a professional appraisal ($500–$1,000+ per property).
Worked examples by estate size
| Estate value | Executor comm. | Attorney (uncontested) | Filing + notice | Approx. total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $100,000 | $5,000 | $3,000 | $289 | ≈ $8,300 |
| $500,000 | $25,000 | $6,500 | $289 | ≈ $32,000 |
| $1,000,000 | $50,000 | $8,000+ | $289 | ≈ $58,500 |
Figures assume equal money in and out, an executor who takes the commission, and no dispute. Your situation may differ — run the calculator.
How to reduce Georgia probate costs
- Use a small-estate route — bank affidavit up to $15,000 (O.C.G.A. § 7-1-239) or "No Administration Necessary" (§ 53-2-40) if heirs agree.
- Executor waives the commission when they're also a beneficiary.
- A revocable living trust avoids probate entirely — no filing fee, no commission.