Probate Fee Calculator

There are a variety of techniques available to reduce or eliminate the need to pay probate fees, though, like all powerful tools, they should be employed carefully and only when appropriate. Having a general sense of the potential for probate savings can be a vital piece of information to have at hand when trying to make a considered decision about whether a technique to avoid or reduce probate fees is worth the expense and complexity involved. We have created this calculator as a quick reference to make it easier for you to access this information readily. It does not provide legal advice.

Sometimes, beneficiary-designatable assets like life insurance, Registered Retirement Savings Plans, Tax Free Savings Accounts, and the like can be used to avoid probate fees. However, this path has some rather significant hidden traps for the unwary. Co-ownership as joint tenants can also be used, though, again, this is an area of the law fraught with extraordinary complexity that is not immediately apparent, even to some professional advisors, and can cause tragic and expensive outcomes for those caught unaware. Similarly, the use of trusts (e.g. alter ego trusts, joint partner trusts, family trusts, insurance trusts, etc.) can be used to avoid probate fees. Again, this path is also littered with yet more daunting traps that, if not avoided, may entirely undermine one’s plan for one’s estate.  As one of the most potent tools in the box, trusts can be used to great positive effect but can also cause catastrophe if misused. A plan devised with the assistance of an expert guide (or often a team of guides) can help address these traps and leave one with a sound, efficient plan for what happens with one’s assets upon one’s passing.

If you would like to speak with us about probate, probate fees, wills, or trusts or have any questions about estate planning or estate administration, please let us know.