Does a Will increase the cost of probate?
No. In most cases, the existence of a Will does not increase the cost of probate. In fact, it will often cost somewhat less to probate an estate when there is a Will (a “testate estate”) because a Will generally excuses the Executor from posting a bond, which generally costs a fair amount of money. It may also excuse the filing of an inventory and the obtaining of property appraisals. A Will also grants broad powers of administration to an Executor, which allows the Executor to perform his or her duties without constant court approval. In addition, when a Will governs the disposition of probate property, the probate courts do not have to spend as much time determining who the heirs are or where they’re located, all of which results in decreased probate fees payable by the estate.
