UK Probate Cost Calculator
Probate is the legal process of administering someone's estate after death, and costs vary enormously depending on who handles it. The court fee is just £300, but solicitor fees can range from £2,000 to £20,000 or more.
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A common mistake when budgeting for probate cost is not realising that some solicitors charge 1-4% of the gross estate value, which on a £500,000 estate could mean fees of £5,000 to £20,000. Many straightforward estates can be administered by executors themselves using DIY probate, saving thousands in professional fees.
Understanding probate costs before you need to deal with them helps executors make informed decisions about professional support. Compare DIY, solicitor, and specialist service costs below based on the estate you are administering.
Probate Cost Calculator
Total value including property, savings, investments, and possessions
How much should I expect to pay for probate in the UK?
In England and Wales, the probate application fee is £300 for estates valued over £5,000. Estates worth less than £5,000 do not incur any court fee. This is the only mandatory cost if you handle the probate application yourself. However, most people choose to use professional help, which adds significantly to the total cost. Solicitor fees typically range from £2,000 to £10,000 depending on estate complexity, and some charge a percentage of the estate value rather than a fixed fee. The calculator above helps you compare these different approaches based on your specific circumstances.
What is the average solicitor fee for probate in the UK?
Solicitor fees for probate vary considerably depending on the firm and how they charge. Fixed-fee services for straightforward estates typically cost between £2,000 and £5,000. Many traditional solicitors charge by the hour at rates between £150 and £350, making final costs unpredictable. Some firms charge a percentage of the gross estate value, usually between one and four percent, which can result in fees of £10,000 or more on larger estates. Using a solicitor is entirely optional. Many executors successfully complete probate themselves, particularly when the estate is straightforward with no property complications or family disputes.
How do you estimate the value of an estate for probate?
Estate value for probate is calculated by adding together all assets owned by the deceased at the date of death, then subtracting any debts and liabilities. Assets include property, savings accounts, investments, vehicles, and personal possessions of significant value. Debts include mortgages, loans, credit cards, and funeral costs. Accuracy matters because undervaluing assets can lead to penalties from HMRC, while overvaluing means paying more inheritance tax than necessary. Property valuations should reflect market value at the date of death. Banks and investment providers will supply statements showing exact balances, which simplifies this part of the process.
How are executor fees calculated in the UK?
Executors in the UK are not automatically entitled to payment for their work. Family members and friends who act as executors typically do so without charging, though they can claim reimbursement for expenses incurred. Professional executors, such as solicitors or banks, charge fees that are separate from standard probate costs. These fees are often calculated as a percentage of the estate value, commonly between one and five percent, or as an hourly rate. Some wills specifically authorise executor payment, which overrides the default position. The distinction between executor fees and probate fees is important when budgeting for estate administration costs.
What this means for the estate
The actual probate court fee is just £300 for estates over £5,000 — almost everything else is professional fees. Solicitors charging a percentage of the estate (often 1–4%) can take £5,000–£20,000 from a £500k estate, while a fixed-fee specialist might do it for £1,500–£3,500 and DIY probate is just the £300 court fee plus ~£300 in disbursements.
Most straightforward estates (single property, a few bank accounts, a clear will, no IHT due) can be administered DIY in 6–12 months. Bring in a solicitor when there's overseas assets, business interests, IHT to pay, or family disputes — those are the cases where mistakes get expensive.
What is Probate?
Probate is the legal process of administering someone's estate after they die. It involves proving the validity of the will, valuing the estate, paying debts and taxes, and distributing assets to beneficiaries.
The term "probate" specifically refers to obtaining the legal document called a Grant of Probate (if there's a will) or Letters of Administration (if there's no will). This document gives the executor or administrator the legal authority to deal with the deceased's assets.
What Probate Covers
- Valuing all assets (property, savings, investments, possessions)
- Identifying and paying debts and liabilities
- Filing inheritance tax returns and paying any IHT due
- Obtaining the Grant of Probate from the Probate Registry
- Collecting assets from banks, insurers, and other institutions
- Selling or transferring property
- Distributing the estate to beneficiaries
- Preparing estate accounts
Why Probate Costs Vary So Widely
Probate costs can range from a few hundred pounds for DIY administration of a simple estate to tens of thousands for complex cases handled by solicitors. The main factors affecting cost are:
- Estate size: Many solicitors charge a percentage of the estate value (typically 1-4%), so larger estates cost more to administer
- Property: Estates with property require more work – valuations, potential sales, Land Registry transfers, and mortgage redemptions
- Complexity: Trusts, overseas assets, business interests, and disputes all significantly increase time and costs
- Number of beneficiaries: More beneficiaries means more communication, documentation, and potential for disagreements
- Charging method: Fixed-fee services are often more predictable and competitive than hourly rates or percentage-based fees
Tip: Always ask for a detailed quote that includes all anticipated disbursements (valuations, searches, copy documents) to avoid surprises.
Difference Between Fees and Taxes
It's important to understand the difference between probate fees and inheritance tax:
Probate Fees
- • Court application fee (£300)
- • Solicitor/specialist fees
- • Valuations and surveys
- • Copy document fees
- • Land Registry fees
Inheritance Tax
- • 40% on estates over £325,000
- • Nil-rate band of £325,000
- • Residence nil-rate band of £175,000
- • Spouse exemption (no IHT between spouses)
- • Must be paid before probate is granted
Use our Inheritance Tax Calculator to estimate any IHT liability on the estate.
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