Probate Fees & Transparency
We aim to provide clear, transparent pricing so you understand costs from the outset.
All fees below include VAT. We will always explain costs clearly in advance. You are under no obligation to proceed after an initial discussion.
Probate & Estate Administration — Fees
As a firm regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), we are required to publish transparent pricing information for probate services. The fees below are indicative. Your exact quote will be confirmed in writing before any work begins.
Probate & Estate Administration
| Service | Typical Fee (inc VAT) |
|---|---|
| Applying for Probate only (no estate administration) | £900 – £1,500 |
| Full estate administration (up to £325,000) | From £3,000 |
| Full estate administration (£325,001 – £650,000) | From £4,200 |
| Full estate administration (over £650,000) | From £6,000 |
| Intestacy (no will) estate administration | From £3,600 |
Disbursements (Additional Costs)
Disbursements are costs payable to third parties on your behalf and are in addition to our legal fees. We will always explain these before they are incurred.
| Disbursement | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Probate Registry fee | £300 (estates over £5,000) — set by HMRC |
| Additional sealed copies of the Grant | £1.50 per copy |
| Bankruptcy search | £2 per beneficiary |
| Land Registry search | £3–£6 per title |
| Statutory notices (London Gazette / local press) | Typically £150–£300 |
Who Will Handle Your Matter?
Your matter will be handled by a qualified solicitor experienced in probate and estate administration. You will be informed of the fee earner assigned to your case at the outset.
How Long Will It Take?
Applying for probate only typically takes 3–6 months. Full estate administration typically takes 6–18 months. We will give you a realistic estimate at the outset.
No Obligation
We will always discuss costs with you in advance. You are under no obligation to proceed after an initial discussion.
Tailored Estimates
For full estate administration, we will provide a tailored written estimate once we understand the estate. Fees are confirmed in writing before any work begins.
What Affects the Total Costs?
The costs related to your matter will depend on several factors. Our fees cover the legal work involved in applying for the grant of probate (or letters of administration), collecting assets, paying debts, and distributing the estate to beneficiaries. In addition to our legal fees, the following disbursements are typically payable:
- Probate Registry fee:£300 for estates over £5,000 (set by HMRC). When applying for a grant of probate, additional sealed copies of the grant cost £1.50 each — we recommend ordering several copies as bank accounts, land registry and other institutions each require one.
- London Gazette notice:Placing a statutory notice in the London Gazette (and local press where appropriate) protects against unexpected claims from unknown creditors. This is a standard step in estate administration and typically costs £150–£300.
- Inheritance tax:Where the estate exceeds the nil-rate band (£325,000), inheritance tax is payable at 40% on the excess. Inheritance tax must be paid — or arrangements made with HMRC — before the grant of representation is issued. We advise on all available allowances, including the residence nil rate band (RNRB), as part of the probate process.
- Residence nil rate band:Where property in the estate passes to direct descendants, the residence nil rate band (RNRB) may reduce the inheritance tax payable. We advise on all available allowances as part of the estate administration process.
- Time spent:Our legal fees reflect the time spent on your matter. For straightforward estates, we offer fixed fees. For complex estates — involving property, multiple beneficiaries, or disputes — we will provide a tailored estimate. All fees are confirmed in writing before any work begins.
- Supporting documents:Obtaining death certificates, valuations, and other supporting documents required for the probate application may incur additional costs, which we will always explain in advance.
Related Probate Services
Applying for Probate
How to apply for a grant of probate — step by step.
Full Estate Administration
We manage the entire process from asset valuation to final distribution.
Executor Advice
Practical guidance to help you fulfil your duties and avoid personal liability.
Intestacy (No Will)
Letters of administration when someone dies without a will.
How Much Does Probate Cost?
A detailed breakdown of all costs involved in probate and estate administration.
Probate Overview
Our full range of probate and estate administration services.
Frequently Asked Questions About Probate Fees
How much does probate cost?
Our fees for applying for probate only start from £900–£1,500 including VAT. Full estate administration (where we handle everything) starts from £3,000–£6,000 for a straightforward estate. Complex estates are priced individually. The Probate Registry fee is £300 (for estates over £5,000) — this is a disbursement paid to the court, not our fee.
What is the Probate Registry fee?
The Probate Registry (part of HMRC) charges £300 to process a grant of probate for estates over £5,000. This is a fixed government fee — the same regardless of which solicitor you use. For smaller estates (under £5,000), no Probate Registry fee is payable. This fee is separate from our legal fees.
What are disbursements in probate?
Disbursements are costs payable to third parties on your behalf — separate from our legal fees. These typically include the Probate Registry fee (£300), bankruptcy searches (£2 per beneficiary), Land Registry searches (£3–£6 per title), and statutory notices in the London Gazette and local press (typically £150–£300). We will always explain these before they are incurred.
How much does full estate administration cost?
Full estate administration (where we handle everything from applying for probate to distributing the estate) typically costs from £3,000–£6,000 for a straightforward estate. Complex estates with property, multiple assets, inheritance tax or potential disputes may cost £6,000–£15,000 or more. We will provide a fixed-fee quote once we understand the estate.
Do you offer fixed-fee probate services?
Yes. We offer fixed-fee probate services for both applying for probate only and full estate administration. Our fees are confirmed in writing before any work begins — you will not be charged more than the agreed fee unless the scope of work changes significantly. Contact us on 01244 757 352 for a no-obligation quote.
What affects the total cost of probate?
The cost of probate depends on the complexity of the estate, the number and type of assets, whether inheritance tax is payable, whether there are any disputes, and whether you need full estate administration or just help applying for probate. Straightforward estates with a small number of assets cost less than complex estates with property, investments and multiple beneficiaries.
Can I get probate without a solicitor to save money?
Yes — you can apply for probate yourself online through the Probate Registry. However, executors have personal liability for errors in estate administration. A solicitor ensures the process is handled correctly, protects you from liability and reduces the risk of costly mistakes. The cost of getting it wrong is often far greater than the cost of professional advice.
How long does probate take and does this affect the cost?
A straightforward probate application typically takes 3–6 months from instruction to grant. Full estate administration can take 9–12 months or longer, depending on complexity. Our fixed fees cover the entire process — you will not be charged extra for the time taken, as long as the scope of work remains as originally agreed.
Our Probate Team
Speak to a Member of Our Team
Nikolina Vukovic
Legal Executive — Wills, Trusts & Estates
Nikolina specialises in probate, wills, trusts and estate administration. She supports clients through what is often one of the most difficult periods of their lives — from straightforward administrations to complex estates involving property, inheritance tax and sensitive family circumstances.
Darren Steele
Senior Private Client Executive · STEP Member
Darren has worked in the legal sector since 1998 and has been a STEP member since 2011. He specialises in wills, trusts, lasting powers of attorney and probate — with particular expertise in inheritance tax planning and complex estate structuring.
Laura Kirton
Wills & Probate Solicitor · 10 Years Qualified
Laura is a qualified solicitor with ten years' post-qualification experience, specialising in wills, probate, and lasting powers of attorney. Known for her calm, methodical approach, she brings both legal expertise and genuine insight to every matter — particularly in emotionally complex family situations.
David Stahler
Wills, Trusts & Estates Executive
David is our first point of contact for clients enquiring about probate and estate planning. He brings a warm, personable approach to what can be a sensitive subject — and clients consistently remark on how at ease he makes them feel. Discreet, approachable, and thorough.
Discuss Your Matter With Us
We offer a confidential initial discussion to help you understand your options and costs. There is no obligation to proceed.
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