Free Probate Calculators, Costs & State-by-State Guides
If you're facing probate, you're not alone. These free tools walk you through how much probate costs, how long it takes, whether you need it at all, and your options for an inherited house — including selling during probate — step by step, without the legal jargon.
Free Probate Tools
These tools are designed to answer the most common probate questions quickly — without legal jargon or sales pressure.
Probate Cost Calculator
Estimate likely probate expenses including court fees, attorney fees, and more.
Do I Need Probate?
A simple questionnaire to help determine if probate is required.
Timeline Estimator
See how long probate may take based on your situation.
Probate Checklist
Step-by-step guide to what needs to be done during probate.
Inherited House Checklist
What to do after you inherit a home — from ownership to selling options.
Asset & Inventory Organizer
Organize everything needed for probate — real estate, accounts, debts, and more.
Sell an Inherited House
Your options for selling a probate or inherited property — including as-is cash sales.
State Probate Guides
Probate rules, costs, and timelines for all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
What Is Probate?
Probate is the legal process used to settle a person's estate after they pass away. During probate, the court confirms the validity of a will (if one exists), appoints someone to manage the estate, ensures debts and taxes are paid, and oversees the distribution of remaining assets to heirs.
Probate does not mean something went wrong. It is common, routine, and required in many situations — especially when real estate, bank accounts, or other assets are involved.
This site answers those questions clearly and honestly.
Probate is often required if:
- •The person owned property in their name alone
- •There was no living trust
- •Assets do not have named beneficiaries
- •The estate exceeds state thresholds
Probate may not be required if:
- •Assets were held in a trust
- •Property was jointly owned with rights of survivorship
- •Accounts have payable-on-death beneficiaries
The Probate Process, Step by Step
While probate details vary by state, the overall process usually follows the same structure.
Dealing With an Inherited House?
Real estate is usually the biggest asset in probate — and the biggest source of stress. Learn when a house can be sold during probate, what it costs the estate to hold it, and whether listing it or selling as-is for cash makes more sense for your situation.
Common questions we help with:
- •Can the executor sell the house before probate is finished?
- •What if the house has a mortgage — or a reverse mortgage?
- •Do all heirs have to agree before selling?
- •Is a cash, as-is sale better than listing with an agent?
You're Not Behind
If you're feeling overwhelmed, confused, or unsure where to start — that's completely normal. Probate is something most people deal with only once or twice in their lives. You don't need to figure everything out today. Start with one question. Use one tool. Take one step forward.