What are the biggest costs in the probate process in Georgia?

The largest probate costs in Georgia typically include outstanding debts, probate court fees, taxes owed by the estate, and attorney fees for navigating the process.

Can I sell a house during probate in Georgia?

Yes, you can sell an inherited house during probate in Georgia with court approval. Selling the house can help settle the estate faster and reduce costs.

How do probate attorneys charge in Georgia?

Probate attorneys in Georgia may charge a flat fee for simple estates or take a percentage of the estate's value, often up to 5% for more complex cases.

How can I avoid probate in Georgia?

Probate can be avoided if the deceased created a trust, named beneficiaries on accounts, or used joint ownership with right of survivorship. Otherwise, probate is required.

Do I need a probate attorney to sell a house in probate?

It’s not legally required, but a probate attorney can help ensure court approvals and legal documents are handled properly—especially if the estate is complex or contested.

4 Probate Costs to Expect in Georgia – Warner Robins Probate Help

4 Unexpected Costs of the Probate Process in Georgia (and How to Be Ready)

If you’ve just been named executor or administrator of an estate in Middle Georgia, first—take a breath. You’re stepping into an important (and often overwhelming) role. Whether the house is in Warner Robins, Bonaire, Perry, or Hawkinsville, Georgia, you’re about to deal with something called probate—and it can cost more than most people realize.

So before you accidentally drain the estate or your own bank account, let’s break down the four biggest costs of the probate process in Georgia and how you can prepare.

1. Outstanding Debts and Creditor Claims

Red roses placed on a grave beside a folded American flag – honoring a loved one’s passing and symbolizing the beginning of the probate process in Georgia.

When a loved one passes, the estate must notify any known creditors and publish a legal notice in the local paper—like the Houston Home Journal—for at least four weeks. This gives time for creditors to step forward and say, “Hey, we’re still owed money.”

If the estate can’t pay everything? You may have to sell assets—including the house—to settle those debts. And no, you can’t ignore them. Georgia law requires the executor to pay debts in a specific order, or you could become personally liable.

There is an order to paying estate debts (Taxes, secured debts, not always the mortgage). Some debts are only paid if there are funds left in the estate. An attorney can help with this.

2. Probate Court Fees May apply

Even simple estates require court filings. That means you’ll pay for:

Filing the initial petition
Appointing the administrator or executor
Publishing the estate notice
Filing the final accounting

Each step comes with a price tag, and while Houston County’s probate fees aren’t the highest in Georgia, they still add up—especially if the estate drags on.

A judge’s gavel resting beside a balanced scale of justice on a wooden desk – symbolizing probate court fees and legal proceedings in Georgia.

Watch our Probate series to lean more.

Georgia Probate Process Explained | What to Do After a Loved One Passes

3. Taxes (Yep, Even After Death)

The executor must file a final income tax return on behalf of the deceased—and sometimes, a separate estate tax return if income continues after death (think: rental income).

And don’t forget property taxes. If the inherited house in Warner Robins or Perry still has a tax bill, you’ll need to pay it to avoid liens—or worse, foreclosure.

4. Probate Attorney Fees

Let’s face it—probate in Georgia isn’t exactly DIY-friendly, especially if you’re juggling court forms, cranky heirs, and complex assets.

Hiring a probate attorney in Warner Robins may cost:

A flat fee for simple estates
A percentage of the estate (up to 5%) for larger ones

But it can save you from expensive mistakes—and help you close the estate faster.

Do You Really Need a Probate Attorney in Georgia?

Can Probate Be Avoided?

Sometimes. If your loved one set up a trust or had assets with named beneficiaries (like life insurance or joint accounts), those items skip probate entirely.

Otherwise, you’re stuck with it—but there are ways to make it easier. Having a difficult conversation with the family is a good start. If everyone agrees with; who gets what items, who will be the Administrator, who will maintain the property and assets while processing the probate, this will make getting thru the process much easier.

We offer probate services like; Handyman services, estate sales teams, sale or renting of the real property (of course) and tax and attorney referrals local in Middle Georgia.

Want to Sell an Inherited House During Probate?

In Georgia, you can sell the house before probate is complete—with court approval. At Real Estate Problem Solver, we help families in probate sell inherited homes fast—without repairs, fees, or dragging out the court process.

We’ve bought houses in Warner Robins, Hawkinsville, and Kathleen before probate wrapped up. That way, you can show the judge that a major asset has been settled—and keep the estate moving forward.

Schedule a call if you need help navigating probate and selling the home.

list your house with us in Middle Georgia

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