Quick Answers
Minimum filing fee
$45
Maximum filing fee
$1,250
Certificate of Letters
$6 each
Petition to compel an accounting
typically $30
How Filing Fees Work
In most probate and administration matters, the filing fee depends on the gross value of the estate listed in the petition.
| Estate value | Filing fee |
|---|---|
| Less than $10,000 | $45 |
| $10,000 to under $20,000 | $75 |
| $20,000 to under $50,000 | $215 |
| $50,000 to under $100,000 | $280 |
| $100,000 to under $250,000 | $420 |
| $250,000 to under $500,000 | $625 |
| $500,000 and over | $1,250 |
Probate vs. Administration Fees
If there is a will
When there is a will, the estate may need probate and Letters Testamentary. The filing fee still follows the estate-value schedule above.
If there is no will
When there is no will, the estate may need an administration proceeding and Letters of Administration. That filing fee follows the same estate-value schedule.
What this means in practice
Brooklyn users often ask whether probate costs more than administration. In most basic fee terms, the answer is: the filing-fee schedule is generally the same — the proceeding type changes, but the filing structure is similar.
Do You Have to Pay for Letters Testamentary?
Usually, the filing fee is paid when the probate proceeding is opened. That covers the initial issuance of the Letters.
What often causes confusion is what happens later. In many real-world situations, people are not asking about the original probate filing anymore. They are asking because a bank, title company, buyer, or attorney wants current proof that the executor still has authority.
Certificate of Letters
A Certificate of Letters is commonly used to show that the executor's or administrator's authority is still active.
Typical cost: $6 per certificate
This can matter in Brooklyn when dealing with:
- inherited-property sales
- title issues
- bank accounts
- multi-heir disputes
- delayed closings
How Much Does It Cost to Get Updated Letters?
In many cases, what people call "updated letters" is really a request for a current certificate of letters.
Certificate of Letters: $6 each
That cost may be small, but the business problem it connects to can be larger — especially if a sale, transfer, or title issue is waiting on current paperwork.
Related guide: Letters Testamentary for Closing an Estate Property
Additional Court Costs You May Run Into
Beyond the initial filing fee, users may also need to pay for related court documents and filings.
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Certificate of Letters | $6 each |
| Certified / compared copy of a document | $6 per page |
| Authenticating a certified copy | $20 |
| Transcript of a decree | $20 |
| Search and certify record under 25 years | $30 |
| Search and certify record over 25 years | $90 |
| Bond filing under $10,000 | $20 |
| Bond filing $10,000 and over | $30 |
These costs often come up when users are trying to:
- satisfy a title company
- document authority for a sale
- deal with multiple heirs
- handle occupied or tenant-related inherited property
- obtain court papers for a dispute or transfer
What If the Estate Is Contested?
If someone objects or a case turns into a dispute, court costs can rise.
| Filing | Typical fee |
|---|---|
| Objections to probate of a will | $150 |
| Jury demand | $150 |
| Note of issue | $45 |
| Objection or answer in non-probate proceeding | $75 |
What Does It Cost to Compel an Executor or Administrator to Account?
If a fiduciary stops communicating or does not provide transparency, one of the most important low-cost filings can be a petition to compel an accounting.
Typical filing fee: $30 for a petition to compel a fiduciary to account under SCPA §2205.
If a related removal petition is needed, additional fees may apply.
This can be especially relevant in Brooklyn in situations involving:
- multiple heirs who do not trust each other
- inherited-property sale delays
- one family member controlling information
- years of silence from an executor or administrator
Do You Still Pay a Fee If the Estate Has No Assets?
Sometimes yes. Even if the estate has little or no property, a filing fee may still apply if the estate must be opened for a legal or administrative reason.
That is why users should not assume that "no asset" means "no filing cost."
Are Brooklyn Fees Different From Other Counties?
No. The filing-fee schedule is set by New York law and is the same statewide.
What may differ by county is:
- filing procedure
- scheduling speed
- document handling
- local court practices
But the basic statutory fee schedule is not unique to Kings County.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does probate cost in Brooklyn?
The filing fee depends on estate value. Many Brooklyn estates involving real property reach the top bracket of $1,250. Families may also need to pay for certificates, copies, bond filings, or contested-proceeding costs depending on the case.
Do I have to pay for Letters Testamentary?
You usually pay the filing fee when the probate case is opened. After that, if you need proof that authority is still active, the court may issue a Certificate of Letters, typically $6 each.
How much does it cost to get updated Letters Testamentary?
In many cases, what users need is a current certificate of letters. Those certificates are typically $6 each.
Is there a fee for Letters of Administration?
Yes. The filing fee depends on the gross estate value listed in the petition, using the same fee schedule shown above.
What does it cost to compel an executor to account?
A petition to compel a fiduciary to account is typically $30. Related removal petitions may add more cost.
Are filing fees the same thing as attorney fees?
No. Filing fees are court charges. Attorney fees, appraisal costs, tax work, and real estate expenses are separate.