Three dedicated statutory probate courts. Dallas is the financial center of Texas — high-net-worth estate complexity, corporate succession, and business interest valuation disputes are common.
| Case Type | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small estate affidavit (under $75K) | 30–90 days | No court filing required |
| Muniment of title | 1–3 months | Will admitted; no personal representative |
| Independent administration | 4–9 months | Minimal court supervision |
| Dependent administration | 9–18 months | Court approval required |
| Contested estate / business valuation | 24–60+ months | Expert witnesses; full discovery |
| Estate Value | Attorney Fees | Executor Fees | Total Est. Cost | % of Estate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $500,000 | $10,000–$20,000 (est. reasonable) | $10,000–$25,000 (up to 5%) | $22,000–$50,000+ | 4.4%–10.0% |
| $2,000,000 | $25,000–$65,000 (est.) | $30,000–$100,000 (up to 5%) | $60,000–$170,000+ | 3.0%–8.5% |
| $10,000,000 | $75,000–$250,000+ | $100,000–$500,000+ | $180,000–$800,000+ | 1.8%–8.0% |
* Estimates based on Probate Insider Reference Series 2026. Actual costs vary. Not legal advice.