Probate


The probate process initially involves appointing a Personal Representative of the Estate. The Personal Representative has responsibility for paying off the debts of the decedent, paying the probate court fees and costs, paying the relevant taxes and distributing the remaining proceeds. Once the waiting period has passed, if the Personal Representative has completed his/her responsibilities, the estate can be closed. If the surviving heirs are cooperative and the estate is less than the amount listed below, the process can be efficient; however, if disputes occur or the estate is greater than the amount listed below, the process can be lengthy and expensive.

YEAR
AMOUNT
1999

$650,000

2000

$675,000

2001

$675,000

2002

$700,000

2003

$700,000

2004

$850,000

2005

$950,000

2006

$1,000,000