How Much Does Probate Cost?

The cost of probate depends on how you approach it and how complex the estate is. At the low end, a straightforward estate handled by the executor costs just £300 in court fees plus £16 per sealed copy of the grant. At the high end, a complex estate handled by solicitors can cost tens of thousands of pounds. Here is a full breakdown.

The court fee (Probate Registry)

The application fee charged by the Probate Registry is straightforward:

• Estates worth under £5,000: No court fee
• All other estates: £300

In addition, you can order sealed copies of the grant at £16 each. You will typically need between five and ten copies - banks, investment platforms, HM Land Registry, and other institutions each need an original sealed copy. Ordering copies upfront is essential; ordering them later is slower and more disruptive. For a £400,000 estate with seven sealed copies, you are looking at a total court cost of around £412.

Valuation costs

Before probate can be applied for, the estate must be valued. Some valuations cost nothing (banks provide date-of-death balances free of charge), while others incur fees:

• Property valuation: A formal RICS-qualified probate valuation typically costs £150–£400. This is separate from an estate agent's market appraisal (which is usually free but not suitable for HMRC purposes). Some estate agents offer formal probate valuations - check whether they have a qualified valuer or just an estimate.
• Investment and share valuations: Most investment platforms and share registrars provide date-of-death valuations free of charge or for a small administration fee of £10–£50.
• Contents valuation: For ordinary household contents, a self-assessment using reasonable estimates is usually acceptable for HMRC purposes. For estates containing significant antiques, art, jewellery, or other valuables, a professional valuation from a specialist auctioneer (such as Bonhams or Christie's) may be appropriate. Costs vary widely.

Solicitor fees

If you instruct a solicitor, costs depend on how much work they do. There are three common fee structures:

Percentage of the estate

Many traditional solicitors charge a percentage of the gross estate value - typically 1–4%. For a £300,000 estate, this could mean fees of £3,000–£12,000 plus VAT. The Law Society previously set a scale, but this is no longer used and solicitors are free to charge what they wish. Always ask for a written estimate before instructing anyone.

Fixed fee

Many solicitors and specialist probate services now offer fixed fees for specific tasks or the full process. Fixed fees for a straightforward estate might range from £1,500 to £3,500 plus VAT and disbursements. This is often better value than a percentage fee and makes costs predictable.

Hourly rate

Some solicitors charge by the hour for probate work. Rates vary from around £150 to £400 per hour depending on the firm and the seniority of the person doing the work. For a complex estate this can add up quickly.

Disbursements

Disbursements are costs that the solicitor or executor pays to third parties on behalf of the estate. These are charged in addition to any professional fees:

• Death certificates (from the register office): typically £11 per copy
• Probate court fee: £300
• Sealed copies of the grant: £16 each
• Gazette and local newspaper statutory notices: £100–£200
• Land Registry fees (for property transfer or sale): £20–£455 depending on value
• Bankruptcy searches on beneficiaries: around £2 each (commonly required by solicitors)
• Office copy entries from HM Land Registry: £3–£7 each

Inheritance tax

Inheritance tax is not a cost of probate itself, but it is a significant financial obligation for larger estates. The standard rate is 40% on the value above the nil-rate band (currently £325,000 per person). The effective threshold is often higher when the residence nil-rate band and transferred nil-rate bands are taken into account. See our guide to inheritance tax forms for more detail.

DIY probate vs using a solicitor

For a straightforward estate - clear will, no disputes, no complex assets, estate below the nil-rate band - many executors handle probate themselves without any trouble. The government's online application is designed for exactly this situation. See our full comparison at DIY probate vs solicitor.

When DIY makes sense:

• The will is clear and unambiguous
• There are no disputes between beneficiaries
• There is no inheritance tax to pay or report
• Assets are straightforward (bank accounts, ISAs, possibly a property)
• The executor has time to devote to correspondence with institutions

When a solicitor is worth it:

• The estate involves overseas assets, trusts, or business interests
• Inheritance tax is due and the position is complicated
• There are disputes between family members or challenges to the will
• The executor is also a beneficiary and there are concerns about conflicts of interest
• The executor simply does not have the time or confidence to handle a lengthy process

If you decide to use a solicitor, you do not have to hand over everything. You can handle the straightforward parts yourself - gathering balances, notifying institutions - and pay a solicitor only for the parts where you want help, such as property transfers or inheritance tax calculations. This can significantly reduce the overall bill. For more on doing parts yourself, see our guide to probate without a solicitor.

When to get professional advice

Costs escalate quickly in complex estates. Get professional advice - and a fixed-fee quote before committing - if:

• The estate is above the inheritance tax threshold and the IHT position is not straightforward
• There is a property sale involved and you want the conveyancing handled professionally
• Beneficiaries are asking questions about the administration that you cannot comfortably answer
• A creditor or potential claimant has indicated they may make a claim against the estate

Always get a written estimate before instructing any professional, and ask clearly whether VAT is included and what disbursements are not covered.