The cost of probate is twofold; one, the money paid to attorneys and the state can amount to as much as 10% of the estate value for a simple, uncontested process, and, two, probate may take as long as 18-24 months. Think of the cost of maintaining your home, unoccupied for 24 months. Your heirs will need to continue to pay for those expenses until they can rent, sell or occupy the property.