Quick answer: Iowa caps the ordinary probate attorney fee at the same 6/4/2% schedule used for executors, under Iowa Code § 633.198 — a reasonable, court-approved amount not exceeding that ceiling. On a $500,000 estate that's up to $10,120, separate from the executor fee. Estimate the whole picture in the Iowa probate cost calculator.
The statutory ceiling
Because § 633.197 sets the same ceiling for the executor, the two fees stack: an estate can pay both at the schedule. Extraordinary services (real estate sales, tax disputes, contested matters) can earn more under § 633.199, subject to court approval.
Attorney fee at the schedule
| Estate (probate inventory) | Attorney fee ceiling |
|---|---|
| $100,000 | $2,120 |
| $300,000 | $6,120 |
| $500,000 | $10,120 |
| $1,000,000 | $20,120 |
$220 on the first $5,000, then 2% above. These are maximums — the court can allow less for a simple estate, and can allow extraordinary fees for unusual work.
A local probate attorney can review your estate — many offer a free consultation.
Questions to ask before hiring
- Will you charge the full schedule, or less for a straightforward estate?
- Do you expect any extraordinary fees under § 633.199, and for what?
- Is your fee separate from the executor fee? (Yes — both come from the estate.)
- Can this estate use the $100,000 small estate affidavit or Chapter 635 administration?
Ways to reduce legal fees
- Small estate affidavit — personal property up to $100,000, usually no attorney needed.
- Keep assets out of the inventory — POD/TOD, joint tenancy and trusts shrink the fee base.
- Ask for less than the ceiling on a simple estate — the schedule is a maximum, not a required fee.