Is Probate Expensive? Maybe Not in Your State

I received this letter about my show on August 17th, which featured John Ventura, an author and attorney in Texas, and director of the Texas Consumer Complaint Center.

I enjoy your show when I have a chance to listen but wanted to mention something about the program on the 17th. You interviewed an attorney from Texas and were discussing how expensive and cumbersome probate is. That is not true in Georgia. It’s a common mistake among advisors to not advise their audience that the laws differ, sometimes significantly, from state to state. In Georgia, probate is simple and inexpensive. The administration of the estate may be cumbersome depending on the nature of the assets but the court’s involvement is minimal and the filing fees are usually less than $150. Thanks. Julie (PS: For credibility, I’ve been practicing in this area for 22 years.)

Aug. 27, 2008.