Is probate and estate taxes related?

Not really.  Some Financial Professionals believe if your estate is less than $600,000 you probably do not need a Living Trust. From a federal estate tax perspective they are right. They are often wrong on the probate process.

Why?

Estate taxes are calculated on the net estate; whereas, probate fees are calculated on the gross estate. Avoiding probate through the use of a Living Trust does not eliminate any Estate Taxes due. Not having any Estate taxes does not prevent you from going to probate. Estate Taxes and Probate are two separate matters.