SB 248 - Probate Fees Summary

• Replaces terminology of "costs" and "charges" with "fees" and "expenses" throughout probate court statutes, effective January 1, 2013.

• Eliminates additional charges for multiple hearings and hearing time exceeding one hour in probate proceedings; consolidates fee structure into flat entry fees.

• Establishes tiered estate probate fee schedule for estates with proceedings commenced after January 1, 2011, ranging from $25 minimum to $12,500 maximum based on estate value.

• Adds new fee of $50 for adjournment requests or failures to appear, plus actual rescheduling expenses, though courts may waive fees for cause.

• Creates special fee limitation for estates where Commissioner of Administrative Services is legal representative, capping fees at amount actually collected after funeral and burial expenses.