Each guide answers one question and points you to the calculator that turns the answer into numbers for your state. Facts are tied to official sources — see our methodology for how we verify them. If you already know your state and want figures right away, go straight to the probate calculators.
Frequently asked questions
Are these guides legal advice?
No. They are general information written in plain English. Probate rules are set by each state and change over time, so confirm how they apply to your situation with the relevant probate court or a licensed attorney before acting.
Where do the facts in the guides come from?
From official sources such as statutes, court and government pages, and IRS publications. Each guide lists the sources behind its claims, and our methodology page explains how we verify them.
Do the guides cover my state?
The guides are national overviews. Where the answer depends on the state, they point to the calculators and state pages that cover that state's rules.
Which calculator should I start with?
Start with the question you are trying to answer. The Probate Cost Calculator estimates total fees, the Executor Fee Calculator covers what an executor can be paid, the Timeline Calculator estimates how long probate takes, and the Small Estate Affidavit Checker shows whether probate can be skipped.
How do I know a guide is current?
Each guide shows when it was last reviewed. When a law, threshold or process changes, the guide and the calculators it links to are updated together.
These guides provide general information only and are not legal, tax, or financial advice. Probate rules are set by each state and change over time. Confirm how they apply to your situation with the relevant probate court or a licensed attorney before acting.