Quick answer: Probate in North Carolina typically costs 3%–7% of the estate. On a $500,000 estate that's roughly $32,000–$36,000 — most of it the executor commission and attorney fee, with court costs kept low by a $6,000 cap. Get your own figure with the North Carolina probate cost calculator.
The costs, line by line
1. Court cost — capped at $6,000
North Carolina's court cost is a formula with a ceiling. Under N.C.G.S. § 7A-307, the clerk charges a $120 base plus 0.4% of the personal property handled ($0.40 per $100), capped at $6,000 total.
2. Executor commission — up to 5%, clerk's discretion
Under N.C.G.S. § 28A-23-3, the commission is capped at 5% of receipts + 5% of disbursements but is set by the Clerk of Superior Court based on the work done — commonly 2–5%. It is not automatic. Use the NC executor fee calculator below to estimate it.
3. Attorney fees — reasonable, not statutory
No statutory schedule. For a routine estate, roughly $2,000–$6,000; contested estates are billed hourly. See NC probate attorney fees.
4. Bond, publication and other costs
A surety bond is often required — especially for non-resident executors (bond set at 125% of assets under $100,000, 110% above). Notice to creditors and certified copies add smaller amounts.
Worked examples by estate size
The executor commission is the big variable. It is charged on both the money received into the estate and the money paid out — so a rate the clerk sets applies twice. The table below assumes the same amount flows in and out, and shows a mid-range commission the clerk might approve (about 2.5% on each side); the clerk can allow up to 5% on each side.
| Estate (in & out) | Court cost (capped) | Executor comm. (~2.5% each side) | Attorney (routine) | Approx. total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $100,000 | $520 | $5,000 | $2,000 | ≈ $7,800 |
| $500,000 | $2,120 | $25,000 | $5,000 | ≈ $32,400 |
| $1,000,000 | $4,120 | $50,000 | $6,000+ | ≈ $60,500 |
Commission = ~2.5% of receipts + ~2.5% of disbursements (the clerk decides the actual rate, up to 5% each side, and often approves less for a simple estate). At the 5%+5% maximum, the $500,000 figure would double to about $50,000. Run your own numbers in the calculator.
How to reduce North Carolina probate costs
- Collection by Affidavit for personal property up to $20,000 ($30,000 spouse-only) — skips formal probate (§ 28A-25-1).
- Executor waives the commission when they are also a beneficiary.
- A living trust avoids probate entirely.