Four dedicated probate courts with specialized judges. Texas independent administration is the most executor-friendly in the US — minimal court supervision after initial appointment.
| Case Type | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small estate affidavit (under $75K) | 30–90 days | No court filing; presented to asset holder |
| Muniment of title (no debts) | 1–3 months | Will admitted; no personal representative |
| Independent administration | 4–9 months | Minimal court supervision; executor acts independently |
| Dependent administration | 9–18 months | Court approval required for most actions |
| Contested estate / will contest | 18–48+ months | Full civil discovery; possible jury |
| 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–$60,000 (est.) | $30,000–$100,000 (up to 5%) | $60,000–$165,000+ | 3.0%–8.25% |
| $5,000,000 | $50,000–$150,000+ | $75,000–$250,000+ | $130,000–$450,000+ | 2.6%–9.0% |
* Estimates based on Probate Insider Reference Series 2026. Actual costs vary. Not legal advice.