Connecticut probate costs and fees explained.

Every probate case in Connecticut begins with filing the will (if one exists) and the application for probate administration with the local Probate Court. The filing fee varies by the value of the estate, but generally falls between $50 and $200. Estates valued under $40,000 qualify for simplified probate, which carries a lower filing fee.

These fees are set by state statute and are the same at any of Connecticut's 124 probate courts. The clerk's office will provide a fee schedule when you file, so there are no surprises at the front desk.

Connecticut law allows the executor (also called the personal representative) to receive reasonable compensation for their work managing the estate. While the amount is not strictly fixed, a commission of about 5% of the estate's value is a common guideline used by Connecticut probate courts. For an estate valued at $400,000, that would amount to roughly $20,000 in executor compensation.

It is important to note that an executor may choose to waive their commission — and many family members serving as executor for a loved one's estate do exactly that. If the executor is also a beneficiary, waiving the commission can simplify the estate's tax picture. The decision should be made with guidance from an attorney or tax professional.

Beyond filing fees and executor commissions, several other costs typically arise during probate:

• Attorney fees. Probate attorneys in Connecticut typically charge either an hourly rate ($250-$500 per hour) or a flat fee for straightforward estates. For complex estates, the total legal cost can range from $2,000 to $10,000 or more. Many attorneys offer an initial consultation for a modest flat fee so you can understand the scope before committing.
• Appraisal costs. The court requires a professional appraisal of real estate and valuable personal property. A real estate appraisal in Connecticut typically costs $400-$700, while appraisals for vehicles, antiques, or collectibles may cost $200-$500 per item.
• Court costs and publication fees. The estate must publish a legal notice in a local newspaper, typically costing $50-$150. Certified copies of court documents and miscellaneous filing fees add another $20-$100.
• Bond premiums. If the probate court requires the executor to post a surety bond (common when the will does not waive the bond requirement), the premium is typically 0.5% to 1% of the bond amount per year. For a $400,000 bond, that could be $2,000 to $4,000 annually.

These costs are paid from the estate before assets are distributed to heirs, which means beneficiaries receive their share net of all fees and expenses.

Connecticut offers a streamlined probate process for small estates valued at $40,000 or less (not including real estate). This simplified procedure significantly reduces both the time and cost of probate. In many cases, the executor can file a simple affidavit with the court rather than going through formal administration.

The benefits of simplified probate include:

• Lower filing fees and fewer court appearances
• Reduced publication and notice requirements
• No bond required in most cases
• The estate can often be settled in 30 to 60 days instead of months

Note that real estate does not count toward the $40,000 threshold for simplified probate. If the estate includes a home, even a modest one, formal probate administration is typically required.