- Minimum filing fee: $45
- Maximum filing fee: $1,250
- Certificate of Letters: $6 each
- Petition to compel an accounting: typically $30
- Fees are statewide — Nassau County uses the same statutory fee schedule as other New York counties
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.
Filing Fee Schedule
| 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 |
In many Nassau County estates involving real property, the estate value reaches the top bracket. That means many families dealing with a house, condo, or other valuable real estate will see the $1,250 maximum filing fee.
Probate vs. Administration Fees
If There Is a Will
When there is a will, the estate may need a probate proceeding and Letters Testamentary. The filing fee still follows the same 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. The filing fee follows the same estate-value schedule.
Letters Testamentary & Certificates
Usually, you pay the filing fee when the probate case is opened. That filing fee covers the court proceeding itself and the initial issuance of the Letters.
What causes confusion is that many people are later asked for updated letters or proof that their authority is still active. In practice, what they often need is a:
Certificate of Letters
A Certificate of Letters is commonly used to show that the executor's or administrator's authority is still in force.
Typical cost: $6 per certificate
This often matters when dealing with:
- Banks
- Title companies
- Buyers
- Insurance carriers
- Inherited-property closings
How Much Does It Cost to Get Updated Letters?
In many real-world situations, people are not being asked to start a new probate case. They are being asked for current proof of authority.
That usually means:
- A current certificate of letters
- Possibly certified copies in some situations
Certificate of Letters: $6 each
If your estate sale, title issue, or bank transfer is waiting on this paperwork, the cost of the certificate itself may be small — but delays can still create real timing problems. See our guide on updated letters testamentary.
Additional Court Costs
Beyond the initial filing fee, families may also need to pay for related 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 are the costs that often show up when families are trying to transfer assets, satisfy a title company, complete a sale, prove executor/administrator authority, or get court papers for a dispute.
What If the Estate Is Contested?
If someone objects or a probate matter 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 is not communicating, not distributing, or not providing transparency, one of the most important low-cost filings can be a petition to compel an accounting.
Typical filing fee: $30for a petition to compel a fiduciary to account under SCPA §2205. If a related petition is needed to remove the fiduciary, additional fees may apply.
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 needs to be opened for a legal or administrative reason.
That is why users should not assume that "no assets" automatically means "no filing cost."
Are Nassau County Fees Different From Other Counties?
No. The filing-fee schedule is set by New York law, so the basic fees are the same statewide.
What may differ by county is:
- Filing procedure
- Scheduling speed
- Local handling of paperwork
- Calendar practices
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does probate cost in Nassau County?
The court filing fee depends on estate value. Many Nassau 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 situation.
Do I have to pay for Letters Testamentary?
You typically pay the filing fee when the probate case is opened. After that, if you need proof that your authority is still active, the court may issue a Certificate of Letters, which is typically $6 each.
How much does it cost to get updated Letters Testamentary?
In many cases, what people need is a current certificate of letters rather than a brand-new case. 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 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.