Court Commissioner’s Fees
Court Commissioner’s Fees
The Court Commissioner’s fees are the costs incurred for the official acts of the notary as Court Commissioner within the scope of probate proceedings. The notary acts on behalf of the probate court. Their remuneration is governed by the Court Commissioner Tariff Act (GKTG) and is determined by the court. The amount of the fees is based on the value of the estate and can be increased by surcharges up to double the fee in particularly extensive or complex proceedings.
Court Commissioner’s fees are the legally regulated costs for the notary’s activities in probate proceedings.
Legal Basis and Fundamental Principle
The assessment follows a scale linked to the net value of the estate. The principle is simple. If the value increases, the basic fee also rises incrementally. Furthermore, if there is exceptional difficulty or the proceedings are of considerable scope, a surcharge can be imposed, extending up to double the fee. This system creates predictability, but it requires a precise valuation and correct assignment to the appropriate tariff system.
Assessment Basis for Fees
The fees are linked to the value of the estate. A distinction is made between:
Scale for Non-Agricultural Property
The fee is based on the value of the estate’s assets. The following list provides an overview of the most important tiers:
- over €40 to €70: €13.10
- over €70 to €110: €19.70
- over €110 to €150: €26.20
- from €150 to €1,090: for every additional €70: + €9.90 more
- from €1,090 to €2,180: for every additional €180: + €17.10 more
- from €2,180 to €4,360: for every additional €360: + €26.20 more
- from €4,360 to €5,090: an additional €34.80
- from €5,090 to €7,270: for every additional €730: + €43.50 more
- from €7,270 to €36,340: for every additional €1,820: + €54.20 more
- from €36,340 to €50,870: for every additional €3,630: + €45.00 more
- from €50,870 to €72,670: for every additional €3,630: + €41.80 more
- from €72,670 to €363,360: €6,540.00: for every additional €7,270: + €42.60 more
- from €363,360: for every additional €7,270: +€43.50 more
- Maximum value: capped at an assessment basis of €3,633,640
Peter HarlanderHarlander & Partner Rechtsanwälte „Die genaue Anwendung der Tarifstufen ist für Laien kaum durchschaubar. Schon kleine Bewertungsunterschiede können die Kosten spürbar erhöhen.“
Scale for Agricultural Property
- For agricultural and forestry properties that the deceased person managed themselves, the same tiers apply as above – however, with reduced amounts. The deductions range between approximately €100 and over €200, depending on the value tier, compared to non-agricultural property.
- over €40 to €70: €8.30
- over €70 to €110: €12.40
- over €110 to €150: €16.50
- from €150 to €1,090: for every additional €70: + €6.60 more
- from €1,090 to €2,180: for every additional €180: + €13.10 more
- from €2,180 to €4,360: for every additional €360: + €20.30 more
- from €4,360 to €5,090: the fee for non-agricultural assets is reduced by €98.20
- from €5,090 to €1,090,090: the fee for non-agricultural assets is reduced by €122.80
- from €1,090,090: the fee for non-agricultural assets is reduced by €245.30
Court Flat Fee
Irrespective of the Court Commissioner’s fees, a court flat fee of 0.5% of the net estate assets is incurred for the conduct of probate proceedings, with a minimum of €71.
The basis for calculation is the net assets: assets minus liabilities. Compulsory portions, legacies, and administration costs are not deductible.
If no probate proceedings take place, for example, because there are no or only minimal assets, the flat fee is waived.
Practical Advice for Cost Planning
- Clarify valuation early: A comprehensible valuation prevents later disputes.
- Apply the scale correctly: Non-agricultural and agricultural property differ only in the amount of the fees.
- Review surcharges: A surcharge must be justified and cannot be levied as a flat rate.
- Factor in the court flat fee: This is incurred in addition to the Court Commissioner’s fees, provided that probate proceedings take place.
Your Benefits with Legal Assistance
The fee schedule for Court Commissioners is difficult for laypersons to comprehend. A lawyer can estimate the expected costs in advance, legally review surcharges, and ensure that no inadmissible claims are made. Furthermore, we can safeguard your economic interests by precisely distinguishing between Court Commissioner’s fees, court fees, and other costs.
Sebastian RiedlmairHarlander & Partner Attorneys „Wer die Zuschläge kritisch prüft und rechtzeitig anwaltliche Hilfe einholt, verhindert unzulässige Mehrforderungen und schafft Kostentransparenz.“