Dealing with a loved one’s estate is rarely straightforward, and understanding what it’s going to cost can feel like yet another hurdle at an already difficult time.
Whether you’re acting as an executor (the person named in a Will to administer the estate) or an administrator (someone appointed where there is no Will), having a clear picture of the likely costs from the outset helps you plan ahead and avoid unexpected bills.
In short, probate costs in England and Wales typically fall into three main categories: court fees, solicitor fees, and disbursements (additional out-of-pocket expenses such as valuations and statutory notices). The total can range from around £300 for a very straightforward do-it-yourself application to several thousand pounds for a complex estate handled by a solicitor.
This guide breaks down each cost so you can make an informed decision about how to proceed.
How much does probate cost in the UK?
Probate is the legal process of proving that a Will is valid and giving the executor the authority to deal with the estate. Where there is no Will, the equivalent process produces letters of administration rather than a grant of probate, but the costs involved are broadly similar.
Probate costs in England and Wales fall into three main buckets:
- Court fees: £300 for estates valued above £5,000, or no fee for smaller estates, plus £16 per additional sealed copy of the grant.
- Solicitor fees: From around £1,000 plus VAT (Value Added Tax) for a grant-only service, rising to several thousand pounds for full estate administration. If you handle probate yourself, there are no solicitor fees.
- Disbursements: Typically £200 to £1,000 or more, covering valuations, statutory notices, bankruptcy searches and other expenses.
If you manage probate yourself without a solicitor, the minimum outlay is usually around £300 to £500. Instructing a solicitor for a straightforward estate typically costs between £1,500 and £3,000 in total, including VAT and disbursements. Complex estates can cost considerably more.
These figures apply to England and Wales only. Scotland has its own equivalent process called confirmation, and Northern Ireland operates under separate rules and fees.
What are the court fees for probate?
When you apply for a grant of probate, you pay a fee directly to HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS), which operates the Probate Registry.
The current fees are:
- £300 for estates valued at over £5,000
- No fee for estates valued at £5,000 or less
- £16 for each additional sealed copy of the grant
You’ll usually want several copies of the grant so you can send them to banks, pension providers, and other institutions at the same time, rather than waiting for documents to be returned. Ordering three to five copies at the outset is common practice.
Court fees are always worth checking before you submit your application. Visit gov.uk for the most up-to-date figures, as fees can change.
How much do solicitors charge for probate?
Solicitor fees for probate vary considerably depending on the firm, the pricing model, and the complexity of the estate. There are three main structures you’re likely to encounter.
Fixed fee
A fixed fee means you agree a set amount with your solicitor before work begins. This is generally the most transparent arrangement because you know exactly what you’ll pay, regardless of how many hours the work takes. It also makes it easier to compare quotes from different firms.
Hourly rate
Some firms charge by the hour. Probate solicitors typically charge between £150 and £300 per hour plus VAT, though rates can be higher in larger city practices. Hourly billing makes it difficult to predict the final bill, particularly in complex estates where unexpected issues arise.
Percentage of the estate
Some firms charge a percentage of the gross estate value, typically between 1% and 5%. On a £500,000 estate, that could mean fees of £5,000 to £25,000 before VAT. Many people rightly consider this poor value. It’s worth asking any firm you approach whether their fee is percentage-based, and if so, whether a fixed or capped alternative is available.
At Devonalds, we offer straightforward fixed-fee probate services so you always know where you stand. You can view our current fees on our probate pricing page.
Grant-only vs full estate administration
When instructing a solicitor, it’s worth understanding what level of service you actually need.
A grant-only service means the solicitor prepares and submits the probate application on your behalf and obtains the grant. You then take over and handle the rest of the administration yourself: collecting assets, paying debts, and distributing to beneficiaries.
A full estate administration service means the solicitor manages the entire process from start to finish. This typically includes valuing the estate and completing the IHT (Inheritance Tax) account (the form submitted to HMRC declaring the estate’s value), applying for the grant, collecting assets, paying debts, transferring or selling property, preparing estate accounts, and distributing the estate to beneficiaries.
If you’re comfortable managing correspondence and paperwork but want professional support for the legal elements, a grant-only service can be a cost-effective middle ground. For a complex or high-value estate, full administration is usually the better choice.
Estate valuation costs
Before you can apply for probate, you need to know the value of the estate. Valuations are essential both for completing the IHT account and for protecting you as executor from personal liability if assets are later found to have been undervalued.
Common valuation costs include:
- Residential property: A professional valuation from a RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors)-accredited surveyor typically costs between £250 and £600 or more, depending on the property.
- Chattels, jewellery, art and antiques: Specialist valuers charge varying rates. Some auction houses offer free or low-cost probate valuations where there is a prospect of sale.
- Shares and investments: Many platforms and share registrars provide date-of-death valuations at little or no charge.
- Business and agricultural assets: These often require specialist input and can attract higher fees.
Desktop valuations (where a valuer provides an estimate without visiting the property) are available for some asset types and can reduce costs. However, HMRC may challenge valuations they consider too low, so it’s important to use a qualified professional where significant assets are involved. You can find further guidance on valuing an estate on gov.uk.
Inheritance tax and probate
Inheritance Tax (IHT) is a tax on the value of a deceased person’s estate above a certain threshold. It’s separate from probate costs, but the two are closely linked because, in most cases, any IHT due must be paid before the Probate Registry will issue the grant.
At the time of writing, the key thresholds are:
- Nil-rate band: £325,000. No IHT is payable on the estate below this threshold.
- Residence nil-rate band (RNRB): Up to £175,000, where the deceased’s home passes to direct descendants such as children or grandchildren. Combined with the nil-rate band, this can raise the effective threshold to £500,000 for qualifying estates.
- Standard IHT rate: 40% on the value above the threshold.
- Reduced rate: 36% if at least 10% of the net estate is left to charity.
IHT must generally be paid within six months of the end of the month in which the person died. Late payment attracts interest charges. One practical challenge is that executors often need funds from the estate to pay IHT, but can’t access the estate until the grant is issued. Some banks will transfer funds directly to HMRC from the deceased’s accounts to address this, and specialist IHT loans are available as a short-term solution.
For current rates and detailed guidance, visit HMRC’s inheritance tax overview. This section is deliberately high level; IHT can be complex, and we’d always recommend taking professional advice where the estate’s tax position is uncertain.
Other disbursements and expenses to budget for
Beyond court fees and valuations, there are several smaller costs that add up over the course of an estate administration:
- Bankruptcy searches: Executors are advised to run a bankruptcy search against each beneficiary (typically around £2 per name) before making distributions, to avoid inadvertently paying assets to someone subject to insolvency restrictions.
- Statutory notices: Under section 27 of the Trustee Act 1925, executors can place notices in The London Gazette and a local newspaper to alert any unknown creditors. These notices protect the executor from personal liability for undisclosed debts. The combined cost is typically between £200 and £300.
- Death certificate copies: You’ll need certified copies from the General Register Office, as institutions will not accept photocopies. Order several at the outset to avoid delays.
- Land Registry fees: If property is to be transferred or sold, Land Registry fees will apply based on the property value.
- ID verification: Firms carry out identity checks on executors and beneficiaries in compliance with anti-money laundering regulations. There may be a small fee for this.
- Asset search fees: If you’re unsure whether the deceased held insurance policies or dormant pensions, a professional asset search service can help track them down.
Is it cheaper to do probate yourself?
It can be. If you apply for probate without a solicitor, the minimum outlay is the £300 court fee, plus £16 per additional copy of the grant and small disbursements. For a very straightforward estate, a DIY approach is entirely workable.
DIY probate tends to be realistic when:
- The estate is modest in value and made up largely of cash
- There is a valid Will and only one or two beneficiaries
- No IHT is payable
- There are no properties, foreign assets or business interests involved
- There are no disputes between beneficiaries or questions over the Will’s validity
You should strongly consider instructing a solicitor when:
- IHT is payable, or the estate’s tax position is uncertain
- The estate includes residential or commercial property
- The deceased owned assets overseas
- There are business or agricultural assets
- The Will is being contested, or there is a risk it might be
- There are multiple beneficiaries, complex family arrangements, or missing heirs
- The estate may be insolvent (meaning debts exceed the value of the assets)
It’s also worth remembering that executors are personally liable for mistakes. If assets are distributed incorrectly, or IHT is underpaid, the executor may have to make good any shortfall from their own funds. Professional support is about protecting yourself, not just saving time. You can read more in our guide on what is an executor of a Will.
What affects the cost of probate?
Several factors influence how much probate costs in practice:
- The overall size and value of the estate
- The number and variety of assets (bank accounts, property, investments, pensions, business interests)
- Whether IHT is payable and how complex the tax position is
- Whether there is a valid Will in place
- The number of beneficiaries and whether any are difficult to locate
- Whether property needs to be sold or transferred
- Business or agricultural interests requiring specialist input
- Disputes between beneficiaries or challenges to the Will’s validity
- Foreign assets, which may require separate legal proceedings overseas
Broadly speaking, the more complex the estate, the higher the costs. A good solicitor will give you a realistic cost estimate after an initial conversation about the specific circumstances.
VAT and other charges on solicitor fees
Solicitor fees are subject to VAT at the standard rate, which is currently 20%. Many disbursements also attract VAT. This means that a quoted fee of £1,000 plus VAT will cost £1,200 in total.
When you receive a quote, ask for a written breakdown that separates:
- The solicitor’s professional fees
- Disbursements (court fees, valuation costs, statutory notices, and the like)
- VAT on each element
This helps you compare quotes on a like-for-like basis and avoids any surprises when the final bill arrives. The Law Society also offers useful guidance on using a probate solicitor, including what to expect from your fee quote.
How to keep probate costs down
There are several practical steps you can take to manage the cost of probate:
- Get fixed-fee quotes from two or three firms and compare them carefully, making sure each quote covers the same scope of work
- Ask for a written breakdown of fees, disbursements and VAT before instructing anyone
- Gather paperwork in advance: the Will, death certificate, statements for all accounts, property details and a list of any outstanding debts
- Consider a grant-only service if you’re confident managing the administration yourself
- Use HMRC’s online tools to get an initial sense of the estate’s IHT position before instructing a solicitor
- Place statutory notices promptly to start the creditor protection period running as early as possible
How Devonalds Solicitors can help
At Devonalds Solicitors, we understand that dealing with a loved one’s estate is one of the most demanding tasks you can face. Our experienced probate team offers fixed-fee probate services across South Wales, giving you clarity on costs from day one, whether you need help obtaining a grant of probate or you’d like us to handle the full estate administration.
You can view our current fees on our probate pricing page, or get in touch with our team for a free initial discussion about your situation.
Frequently asked questions about probate costs
Do you pay probate fees upfront?
The £300 court fee is paid when the probate application is submitted. IHT must generally be paid before the Probate Registry issues the grant, though some banks will transfer funds directly to HMRC from the estate’s accounts, and IHT loans are available as a short-term funding option. Solicitor fees are usually billed at key milestones throughout the process, with the final balance settled from the estate once assets are collected.
Can probate costs be paid from the estate?
Yes. Reasonable probate costs, including court fees, solicitor fees, valuation fees and the cost of statutory notices, are properly payable from the estate before it is distributed to beneficiaries. Executors should keep a careful record of all costs in the estate accounts, which form a formal record of how the estate was administered and distributed.
Is VAT charged on probate solicitor fees?
Yes. Solicitor fees are subject to VAT at the current standard rate of 20%, and many disbursements also attract VAT. When comparing quotes, always ask for a clear breakdown of fees, disbursements and VAT so you have an accurate picture of the total cost.
Are there extra fees for complex estates?
Yes. Estates involving property abroad, business assets, trusts, disputed Wills, missing beneficiaries or insolvency typically attract higher fees due to the additional work involved. A good solicitor will assess the complexity of the estate early on and provide a realistic fixed or capped fee quote once the full picture is clear.
How much does it cost to apply for probate yourself?
The minimum cost for a DIY probate application is the £300 court fee, plus £16 for each additional copy of the grant and small disbursements such as certified copies of the death certificate. However, it’s important to factor in the time commitment involved, the risk of personal liability for mistakes, and the potential cost of correcting errors at a later stage.
Are probate fees the same in Scotland and Northern Ireland?
No. Probate is a process specific to England and Wales. Scotland has its own equivalent called confirmation, and Northern Ireland operates under a separate system with its own fees and procedures. This article relates to England and Wales only.
Get in touch with Devonalds Solicitors
If you’d like to talk through the costs of probate or find out how we can support you in administering an estate, our team is here to help. We offer a free initial discussion and clear, fixed-fee pricing so you know exactly what to expect.
You can also read more of our related guides:
- Do you need probate if there is a Will?
- When is probate required?
- What is a grant of probate?
- What are letters of administration?
- What is an executor of a Will?
- Making a Will
Contact Devonalds Solicitors at any of our offices across South Wales:
Call us on 01443 779050 or visit our probate pricing page to find out more, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.