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Probate Fees in the UK: What to Expect in 2026

· 28 min

Note: The following scenario is fictional and used for illustration.

When Robert's mother passed away in Bristol, he expected some legal costs. What he didn't expect was a £7,200 solicitor bill for what he thought would be a "straightforward" probate. The £300 court fee? Fine. But the 3% solicitor fee on his mother's £240,000 estate, plus £800 in disbursements he'd never heard of? That stung—especially when he later discovered many executors handle probate themselves for just the court fee.

Robert's not alone. Probate fees in the UK typically range from £2,000 to £10,000 plus VAT, with the vast majority being professional fees rather than court costs. Yet many executors don't understand what they're paying for or when professional help is truly necessary versus when DIY is perfectly adequate.

This guide breaks down every probate cost you'll encounter in England and Wales—from the mandatory £300 court fee to optional solicitor charges—so you can make an informed decision about how to handle your loved one's estate without overpaying.

Table of Contents

Understanding Probate Fees: Court Costs vs Professional Fees

Probate is the legal process of obtaining authority to administer someone's estate after they die. If you're an executor, understanding what you'll actually pay is crucial to managing the estate responsibly.

Probate fees fall into two distinct categories: fixed court fees and variable professional fees. The £300 court fee is mandatory for estates over £5,000 in England and Wales. This is what the government charges to process your probate application and issue the grant of representation.

Professional fees, on the other hand, are entirely optional. These include solicitor charges, which typically range from £2,000 to £10,000 plus VAT depending on estate complexity. When people complain about expensive probate, they're usually referring to professional fees rather than the court fee itself.

The average total probate cost in the UK is around £2,626. But here's what most people don't realize: solicitor fees represent approximately 95% of total probate expenses for estates that use professional help. The court fee itself is a relatively small portion of the overall cost.

Emma's father's estate was worth £180,000. The court fee cost her £300. Her solicitor charged £3,600 (2% of the estate value) plus £450 in disbursements for third-party costs like property valuations and statutory notices. Her total bill came to £4,350—meaning she paid 2.4% of her inheritance in probate costs.

When someone asks "How much are probate fees?", the real question they're asking is: "Should I pay thousands to a solicitor, or can I do this myself for £300?"

Here's the key distinction:

Cost Type Amount When Required
Court Fees (Mandatory) £300 flat fee Estates over £5,000
Grant copies £16 each Optional, per institution
Professional Fees (Optional) £2,000-£10,000+ Complex estates or personal preference
Solicitor percentage fee 1-5% of estate value If using solicitor
Solicitor fixed fee £950-£6,000+ Alternative pricing model
Solicitor hourly rate £200-£450/hour Ad-hoc advice
Disbursements £500-£1,500 Third-party costs (valuations, notices)

The court fee is unavoidable if probate is needed. Everything else is a choice based on estate complexity and your confidence in handling the process yourself.

The £300 Court Fee: When You Pay and How to Claim It Back

The probate court fee in England and Wales is £300 for estates valued over £5,000. If the estate is worth £5,000 or less, there's no fee at all.

This fee increased from £273 to £300 in May 2024. It's a flat rate regardless of whether the estate is worth £6,000 or £6 million. You pay the same £300 fee either way.

Extra copies of the grant of probate cost £16 each as of November 2025, increased from just £1.50. Most executors need multiple copies because banks, building societies, and other institutions often require an original or certified copy before releasing assets.

You must pay the court fee upfront when submitting your probate application, whether you apply online or by post. Online applications accept debit or credit cards. Postal applications require a cheque made payable to HM Courts & Tribunals Service.

David's aunt's estate was worth £85,000. He paid the £300 fee online when applying for probate and ordered 3 copies at £16 each—a total of £348. Once the grant was issued and he accessed the estate bank account, he wrote himself a cheque to reimburse the £348 he'd paid from his own pocket.

His uncle's estate, however, was worth only £4,800. Because it fell below the £5,000 threshold, David didn't need to apply for probate at all, saving the entire court fee.

If you genuinely can't afford the £300 upfront, you can apply for Help with Fees using form EX160. This scheme can reduce or waive the fee entirely if you're on a low income or receiving certain benefits.

The court fee can also be waived for estates of emergency service personnel killed in the line of duty. The Court and Public Guardian Fees Order 2025 introduced exemptions under sections 153A, 154, and 155A of the Inheritance Tax Act 1984.

Here's how to handle the court fee payment:

  1. Calculate the estate value to confirm whether the fee applies
  2. Pay £300 when submitting your probate application (online or by post)
  3. Decide how many grant copies you'll need—typically one per major institution
  4. Keep your payment receipt for estate accounts
  5. Once probate is granted and funds are accessible, reimburse yourself from the estate

The £300 you pay isn't lost—it's an estate expense that reduces the amount subject to inheritance tax, and you're entitled to full reimbursement from estate funds once they're accessible.

Solicitor Probate Fees: What You're Actually Paying For

Solicitors charge for probate services in three main ways: as a percentage of the estate value, as a fixed fee, or at an hourly rate. Understanding these pricing models helps you compare quotes and avoid overpaying.

Percentage-based fees typically range from 1-5% of the estate value, with most solicitors charging 1.5-2.5% for straightforward estates. If a solicitor acts as executor (rather than just helping with the application), they often charge at the higher end—around 3-4%.

Fixed fees vary dramatically based on complexity. A "grant only" service (where the solicitor just obtains the grant of probate and you handle everything else) costs £950-£1,500. Full estate administration services typically cost £3,000-£6,000 for moderately complex estates, but can exceed £15,000 for estates involving inheritance tax, multiple properties, or disputes.

Hourly rates range from £200 to £450 depending on the solicitor's seniority. A trainee might charge £210 per hour, while a partner bills at £450 per hour. For a straightforward estate, expect 10-18 hours of work. That's £2,100-£8,100 in fees for the same work, depending on who handles your case.

Sarah's executor chose a solicitor charging 2% of her £420,000 estate. The fee: £8,400 plus £1,680 VAT (20%), totaling £10,080. Had she used an online probate service charging a fixed £2,500, the estate would have saved £7,580.

What exactly are you paying for? A full probate service typically includes:

  • Completing the probate application forms
  • Valuing the estate and preparing inheritance tax forms
  • Obtaining the grant of probate
  • Collecting assets from banks, insurers, and investment providers
  • Paying debts and liabilities
  • Preparing estate accounts
  • Distributing assets to beneficiaries
  • Providing executor indemnity insurance

What's NOT included in most solicitor fees are disbursements—third-party costs that the solicitor pays on your behalf and then bills back to you. These add another £500-£1,500 to the final bill.

All solicitor fees are subject to VAT at 20%, which significantly increases the total cost. A £5,000 fee becomes £6,000 after VAT.

Here's how different pricing models compare:

Pricing Model Typical Range Best For
Percentage 1-5% of estate value Large estates with professional executors
Fixed Fee £950-£6,000+ Predictable budgeting, clear scope
Hourly Rate £200-£450/hour Ad-hoc advice, partial support only

Many traditional solicitors and banks still charge percentage-based fees, particularly for larger estates. However, online and high-street firms increasingly offer fixed fees, making costs more transparent and often significantly cheaper.

Michael compared three quotes for his aunt's £340,000 estate. A traditional solicitor quoted £8,500 (2.5%). An online service quoted £2,800 fixed. Another competitor quoted £1,200 for grant-only service. He chose the £2,800 fixed-fee service, saving £5,700 compared to the traditional solicitor while still getting phone support and expert guidance.

Always ask for a detailed written quote before engaging a solicitor. The quote should specify whether it's inclusive of VAT and whether disbursements are additional.

Hidden Costs Nobody Tells You About

Beyond the court fee and solicitor charges, executors face numerous third-party costs called disbursements. These can add £500-£1,500 to the final bill, and many executors don't discover them until it's too late.

Statutory notices are legally required to protect executors from unknown creditors. You must place a notice in The London Gazette (£87.30) and usually a local newspaper (£150-£240). These notices give creditors two months to come forward. If you don't place them and a creditor later emerges, you're personally liable for the debt.

Bankruptcy searches cost just £2 per beneficiary but are essential to confirm beneficiaries aren't bankrupt (which would affect their inheritance). For an estate with five beneficiaries, that's £10 total.

Property valuations are required when inheritance tax might be due. Estate agents provide free valuations, but HMRC often challenges these. A professional RICS surveyor charges £200-£500 for a formal valuation that HMRC will accept.

Land Registry fees apply when transferring property ownership. The fee ranges from £200 to £910 depending on the property value. For a property worth £500,000, expect to pay around £300.

Empty property insurance is crucial once probate begins. Standard home insurance typically becomes void when a property is unoccupied for more than 30 days. Specialist empty property insurance costs £200-£500 annually.

James administered his brother's estate worth £280,000, which included one property. His costs were:

  • Probate court fee: £300
  • Solicitor fixed fee: £4,500
  • London Gazette notice: £87
  • Local newspaper notice: £180
  • Property RICS valuation: £350
  • Land Registry transfer: £300
  • Empty property insurance: £220
  • House clearance service: £800

Total: £6,737, representing 2.4% of the estate value.

James was shocked when his solicitor's final bill included £737 in disbursements on top of the quoted £4,500 fee. He'd assumed disbursements meant £100-£200, not nearly £800.

Here's what executors often don't anticipate:

  • Document fees for obtaining multiple copies of death certificates (£11 each from the register office)
  • Postage and courier fees for sending documents securely
  • Travel expenses if the estate is in a different part of the country
  • Professional fees for valuing unusual assets like antiques, art, or business interests
  • Accountant fees if inheritance tax is due (£500-£2,000+)
  • Interest charges if inheritance tax isn't paid within 6 months of death

Many solicitors markup disbursements by 10-20% as an administration fee. Some firms charge £240 for statutory notices when the actual cost is £87 plus £180—a £57 markup for literally sending two emails.

Always request a written breakdown of anticipated disbursements before engaging a solicitor. Ask which disbursements you could handle yourself to reduce costs. Placing statutory notices, ordering death certificates, and arranging property insurance are all tasks you can do directly without legal expertise.

DIY Probate vs Using a Solicitor: Cost Comparison

For straightforward estates, handling probate yourself costs just the £300 court fee plus any copies you need. That's it. No solicitor fees, no VAT, no markup on disbursements.

DIY probate works well when:

  • The estate has a clear, valid will
  • There's a single property or simple assets (bank accounts, investments)
  • The estate value is under the £325,000 inheritance tax threshold
  • All beneficiaries get along and agree on distribution
  • No one is contesting the will
  • The deceased had no business interests or complex assets

Lisa's mother left an estate worth £120,000: a house valued at £95,000, a building society account with £18,000, and premium bonds worth £7,000. Two beneficiaries (Lisa and her brother), a clear will, and no inheritance tax due.

Lisa applied for probate online, paid the £300 court fee, and ordered two copies at £16 each. Total cost: £332. She spent about 35 hours over 4 months handling everything: valuing assets, completing forms, collecting funds, selling the house, and distributing inheritance.

Her brother's colleague used a solicitor for a similar estate. Their bill: £3,200 including VAT. Lisa saved £2,868 by investing her own time rather than paying for professional help.

But DIY isn't always appropriate. Some situations demand professional expertise:

  • Inheritance tax is due (the forms are complex and mistakes trigger HMRC investigations)
  • Multiple properties need selling or transferring
  • Foreign assets or beneficiaries abroad create cross-border legal issues
  • Business interests require valuation and potentially selling or continuing the business
  • Family members are threatening to contest the will
  • Beneficiaries you can't locate (there's a legal duty to find them)
  • The estate is insolvent (debts exceed assets)
  • Agricultural property with potential tax reliefs

Attempting DIY probate on complex estates can cost far more than hiring a solicitor from the start. If you incorrectly complete inheritance tax forms, HMRC can impose penalties of 30-70% of the underpaid tax. If you distribute assets before paying all creditors, you're personally liable for the debts.

Here's a realistic cost comparison:

Estate Scenario DIY Cost Solicitor Cost Potential Savings
Simple (£80k, no property, no IHT) £300 £2,000-£3,000 £1,700-£2,700
Moderate (£200k, one property, no IHT) £300-£500 £4,000-£6,000 £3,500-£5,700
Complex (£500k, multiple properties, IHT due) Not recommended £8,000-£15,000 DIY risk too high

A middle-ground option is the "grant only" service. The solicitor handles the legal application for probate (the most technical part), and you handle the asset collection and distribution yourself. This costs £595-£1,500—significantly less than full estate administration but providing professional help where legal expertise matters most.

Rachel used a grant-only service for her uncle's £240,000 estate. She paid £1,200 for the solicitor to obtain probate, then spent 20 hours collecting assets and distributing them according to the will. Total professional costs: £1,200. Had she used full estate administration, the cost would have been £4,800—a saving of £3,600.

If your estate is genuinely straightforward, DIY probate is perfectly feasible and can save thousands. But know your limits. If you're unsure about any aspect—particularly inheritance tax—get professional advice rather than risking costly mistakes.

How to Reduce Probate Costs Legally

Even if you decide professional help is necessary, there are several ways to minimize costs without cutting corners or taking risks.

Get multiple quotes. Solicitor probate fees vary wildly, even for identical estates. One firm might quote 3% (£9,000 on a £300,000 estate) while another charges a fixed £3,500. Obtaining three quotes could save you £5,000+.

Consider online probate services. Firms like Farewill, Beyond, and others offer fixed-fee probate services at significantly lower rates than traditional high-street solicitors. They typically charge £1,500-£3,000 for full estate administration compared to £4,000-£10,000 from traditional firms. The service quality is comparable, but costs are lower due to streamlined processes and lower overheads.

Negotiate fixed fees for large estates. If you're quoted a percentage-based fee (say, 2% of a £500,000 estate = £10,000), ask if they'll accept a fixed fee instead. Many solicitors will agree to £5,000-£7,000 fixed fee rather than risk losing your business entirely. On large estates, fixed fees almost always work out cheaper than percentages.

Handle disbursements yourself. Placing the London Gazette notice costs £87.30 if you do it directly, but solicitors often charge £150-£200 for the same service. Local newspaper notices cost £150-£240 directly but might be billed at £300+. Handling these yourself saves £200-£300.

Apply for Help with Fees if eligible. If you're on a low income or receiving benefits like Universal Credit, Income Support, or Jobseeker's Allowance, you can apply to have the £300 court fee waived or reduced. Form EX160 is available from GOV.UK.

Ask banks to release funds for probate fees. Many banks will release funds directly from the deceased's account to pay the probate court fee before the grant is issued. This is discretionary, but it's worth asking. It saves you paying upfront from your own pocket.

Only order necessary grant copies. At £16 each, copies add up quickly. You typically need one copy per major institution (bank, building society, insurance company). But if you have accounts with 10 different providers, you don't need 10 copies—most institutions will accept photocopies once they've seen an original.

Choose the "grant only" option. If the estate is moderately straightforward but you want professional help with the legal application, pay £595-£1,500 for grant-only service rather than £4,000+ for full administration. You handle asset collection and distribution yourself, which isn't legally complex—just time-consuming.

Reduce estate complexity BEFORE death. The single most effective way to reduce probate costs is proper estate planning. A clear, detailed will with comprehensive asset information enables executors to handle probate themselves rather than needing expensive professional help.

Michael obtained quotes for his aunt's £340,000 estate. The cheapest was £1,200 for grant-only service. Mid-range was £2,800 for full administration. The most expensive was £8,500 from a traditional solicitor charging 2.5%.

He chose the £2,800 option from a reputable online firm. They handled everything, provided phone support when he had questions, and the service quality was excellent. He saved £5,700 compared to the traditional solicitor.

Here's a money-saving checklist for executors:

  • Compare at least 3 solicitor quotes
  • Ask online probate services for quotes (often 40-60% cheaper)
  • Request fixed fees rather than percentage-based pricing
  • Apply for Help with Fees if on low income
  • Ask the deceased's bank to pay probate fee directly
  • Handle statutory notices yourself (£240 vs solicitor markup to £350+)
  • Order minimum necessary grant copies
  • Consider grant-only service if you're confident handling distribution

The key is shopping around. The first quote you receive is rarely the best price available. Spending an hour comparing quotes can save £3,000-£7,000 on a typical estate.

Probate Fees in Scotland and Northern Ireland

While this article focuses on England and Wales, it's worth understanding how probate fees differ across UK jurisdictions—particularly if you're dealing with assets in multiple countries.

In Scotland, probate is called "Confirmation." The Sheriff Court fee is £200 for estates over £5,000, which is £100 cheaper than England and Wales. Like the rest of the UK, estates worth £5,000 or less are exempt from the court fee entirely.

Each additional Certificate of Confirmation costs £5 in Scotland, compared to £16 in England and Wales. This is a significant saving if you need multiple copies.

Scottish terminology differs slightly. If there's a will, the executor is called an "executor-nominate." Without a will, they're an "executor-dative" rather than "administrator" as in England.

Scotland also has different inheritance laws. There's no concept of "forced heirship" as in some European countries, but spouses and children have legal rights to portions of the estate regardless of what the will says. This can complicate distribution and increase costs if not properly planned for.

In Northern Ireland, the probate fee is £220—midway between Scotland and England/Wales. The process is very similar to England and Wales, with a few minor procedural differences in how applications are submitted.

Here's a quick comparison:

Jurisdiction Court Fee Process Name Key Differences
England & Wales £300 Probate Standard probate process
Scotland £200 Confirmation Different inheritance laws, cheaper copies (£5)
Northern Ireland £220 Probate Process similar to England/Wales

All three jurisdictions exempt estates worth £5,000 or less from court fees.

If an estate has assets in multiple UK jurisdictions, you may need separate grants in each country. For example, if someone lived in England but owned property in Scotland, you'd typically need English probate plus Scottish Confirmation. This doubles your court fees and legal complexity.

Cross-border estates benefit significantly from professional help. The cost of making mistakes with multi-jurisdictional assets far exceeds solicitor fees for proper guidance.

For estates entirely within England and Wales (which represents about 85% of UK estates), you only need to worry about the £300 English probate fee and English law.

When Professional Help Is Worth the Cost

While DIY probate saves money, some situations make professional help a wise investment rather than an unnecessary expense. The key is recognizing when complexity exceeds your expertise.

Inheritance tax is due. If the estate exceeds the £325,000 IHT threshold, the tax forms are complex and errors have serious consequences. HMRC can investigate incorrect returns, impose penalties of 30-70% of underpaid tax, and freeze the entire estate until matters are resolved.

Rachel's uncle left an estate worth £680,000: three properties, a share portfolio, and various bank accounts. Inheritance tax was due on the amount over £325,000—a potential £142,000 bill (40% of £355,000).

Rachel obtained three solicitor quotes ranging from £12,000 to £18,000. She chose the mid-range option at £14,500. The solicitor identified £45,000 in tax reliefs and exemptions Rachel didn't know existed, including business property relief and taper relief on gifts made years earlier.

The estate ultimately paid £97,000 in IHT rather than £142,000. The solicitor's expertise saved £45,000 in tax. Even after paying the £14,500 fee, the estate was £30,500 better off than if Rachel had attempted DIY probate.

Multiple properties require coordination. Selling or transferring several properties involves coordinating estate agents, conveyancing solicitors, Land Registry, and potentially managing empty properties for months. Professional help keeps everything on track and ensures nothing falls through the cracks.

Foreign assets create legal complexity. If the deceased owned property abroad, had overseas bank accounts, or had beneficiaries living outside the UK, you're dealing with international law. Double taxation treaties, foreign probate equivalents, and cross-border asset transfers require specialist knowledge.

Business interests need expert valuation. Valuing a business for probate and inheritance tax purposes is technically complex. Should the business continue operating, be sold, or be wound down? These decisions have major financial and tax implications. Business valuation specialists and commercial solicitors are essential.

Family disputes threaten litigation. If beneficiaries are arguing about the will, threatening to contest it, or claiming the deceased promised them something not in the will, get a solicitor immediately. Family disputes can drag on for years and cost tens of thousands in legal fees. Early professional intervention often resolves matters before they escalate.

Beneficiaries can't be located. Executors have a legal duty to make reasonable efforts to find all beneficiaries. If someone named in the will has moved or lost contact, tracing services and legal advice are necessary to protect you from future claims.

Here's when professional help prevents costly mistakes:

  • Estate value over £325,000 (inheritance tax complexity)
  • More than one property to manage
  • Foreign assets or international beneficiaries
  • Business, farm, or partnership interests
  • Family members threatening to contest the will
  • Missing beneficiaries you can't locate
  • Complex investment portfolios requiring specialist valuation
  • Agricultural property with potential IHT reliefs
  • Trusts created in the will
  • Estate debts exceed assets (insolvency)
  • You're an executor living abroad

Think of it as a cost-benefit analysis. If estate complexity creates a 10% risk of a £20,000 error, paying £5,000 for professional help is sensible insurance.

Solicitors also carry professional indemnity insurance. If they make a mistake, their insurance covers the loss. If you make a mistake as executor, you're personally liable—potentially costing you tens of thousands from your own pocket.

Not every estate needs a solicitor. But when complexity exceeds your knowledge and experience, professional fees are a worthwhile investment in protecting the estate and yourself from costly errors.

Paying Probate Fees When Estate Funds Are Frozen

One of the most frustrating aspects of probate is the catch-22 executors face: you need to pay the probate fee to get the grant, but you need the grant to access the deceased's money to pay the fee.

Most executors solve this by paying from their own funds initially and reimbursing themselves once estate accounts are accessible. If you paid the £300 court fee and £500 in solicitor fees upfront, you simply write yourself a cheque for £800 from the estate account once probate is granted.

Keep detailed records. Save receipts for every payment you make on behalf of the estate. When you reimburse yourself, note "Reimbursement of probate fees paid [date]" on your estate accounts with copies of the receipts attached.

Many banks will release funds before probate is granted specifically for probate fees, funeral costs, and inheritance tax. This is discretionary—banks aren't legally required to do it—but it's worth asking.

Paul's grandmother's estate was entirely in a Barclays account. Paul contacted Barclays and explained he needed £500 to cover the probate fee and initial solicitor costs. Barclays asked for the death certificate and probate fee invoice. They released £500 directly to Paul, which he repaid to the estate account once probate was granted.

Not all banks are this accommodating. Some refuse to release anything without a grant. But many will release small amounts for legitimate estate administration expenses, particularly from the deceased's main bank.

If you genuinely can't afford to pay the £300 court fee upfront and the bank won't help, apply for Help with Fees. Form EX160 waives or reduces the fee if you're on a low income or receiving benefits like:

  • Universal Credit
  • Income Support
  • Jobseeker's Allowance (income-based)
  • Employment and Support Allowance (income-based)
  • Pension Credit (guarantee credit)

You may also qualify if your income is below certain thresholds even if you don't receive benefits.

Many solicitors offering full estate administration services don't require payment until the estate is settled. They essentially extend credit, knowing they'll be paid from estate funds once accessible. Farewill, Co-op Legal Services, and many high-street firms work this way.

Here's how to handle the frozen funds problem:

  1. Contact the deceased's bank and ask if they'll release funds for probate fees
  2. Provide documentation: death certificate, probate fee invoice, your ID
  3. If approved: bank pays fee directly or reimburses you after you pay
  4. If refused: pay from your own funds initially
  5. Keep receipts: probate fee receipt, any disbursement receipts, solicitor invoices
  6. Once probate granted: reimburse yourself from estate account
  7. Document everything: note reimbursements in estate accounts with receipt copies
  8. Consider Help with Fees: if you can't afford upfront payment, apply via EX160

Can you charge interest on money you advance to the estate? No. Executors act voluntarily and can't profit from their role. You can recover actual expenses but not add interest or administrative fees on top.

The frozen funds problem is frustrating but temporary. Most estates are straightforward enough that executors can advance the £300-£500 needed for initial costs and reclaim it within 4-8 weeks once probate is granted.

Frequently Asked Questions About Probate Fees

Q: How much are probate fees in the UK?

A: The court fee for probate in England and Wales is £300 if the estate is valued over £5,000. There's no fee for estates worth £5,000 or less. Extra copies of the grant cost £16 each. However, solicitor fees typically add £2,000-£10,000 plus VAT, making total probate costs £2,600-£15,000+ depending on estate complexity.

Q: Can probate fees be paid from the estate?

A: Yes, probate fees can be paid from the estate. Most executors pay the fees upfront and claim them back later once the estate funds are accessible. Banks may release funds specifically for probate fees, funeral costs, and inheritance tax before the grant is issued.

Q: Do I need a solicitor for probate or can I do it myself?

A: You can apply for probate yourself without a solicitor for straightforward estates. The DIY route costs just the £300 court fee. However, complex estates involving multiple properties, inheritance tax, business assets, or family disputes typically benefit from professional help to avoid costly mistakes.

Q: How long does probate take in the UK?

A: Straightforward probate applications take 4-8 weeks for the grant to be issued. However, the full estate administration process typically takes 6-12 months from start to finish. Complex estates with property sales, foreign assets, or disputes can take 18-24 months or longer.

Q: What happens if I can't afford the probate fee?

A: If you can't afford the £300 probate fee upfront, you can apply for Help with Fees using form EX160 if you're on a low income or receiving certain benefits. Banks may also release estate funds to cover probate fees before the grant is issued.

Q: Are probate fees different in Scotland and Northern Ireland?

A: Yes. In Scotland, the probate fee (called confirmation) is £200, and in Northern Ireland it's £220. England and Wales charge £300. The £5,000 threshold exemption applies across all UK jurisdictions.

Q: What's the difference between probate fees and inheritance tax?

A: Probate fees are the costs of obtaining legal authority to administer an estate (court fees, solicitor fees, disbursements). Inheritance tax is a 40% tax on estates worth over £325,000. They're separate charges—you may face probate fees without inheritance tax, or both if the estate exceeds the IHT threshold.

Conclusion

Key takeaways:

  • The £300 court fee is fixed and unavoidable for estates over £5,000, but solicitor fees (£2,000-£10,000+) are optional—carefully assess whether your estate's complexity justifies professional help or if DIY probate is suitable
  • Solicitor probate fees vary dramatically between providers—compare at least three quotes and negotiate fixed fees rather than percentage-based pricing, particularly for larger estates where the difference can be £5,000-£10,000
  • Hidden disbursements (statutory notices, valuations, Land Registry fees) add £500-£1,500 to final bills—request detailed written estimates of anticipated disbursements before engaging any professional to avoid unpleasant surprises
  • "Grant only" services (£595-£1,500) offer a cost-effective middle ground where solicitors handle the technical application while you manage asset distribution, providing professional expertise where it matters most
  • Don't confuse probate fees with inheritance tax—probate fees are administration costs while IHT is a 40% tax on estates exceeding £325,000, and both may apply to larger estates

Dealing with probate fees while grieving is overwhelming, but understanding what you're paying for puts you in control. Whether you choose DIY probate for £300 or professional help for £3,000+, the key is making an informed decision based on your estate's actual complexity rather than fear or confusion.

Transparent pricing and clear expectations prevent the shock and resentment Robert felt when he received that £7,200 bill—and ensure more of your loved one's estate reaches the beneficiaries they intended.

Need Help with Your Will?

Understanding probate fees highlights why having a clear, legally valid will matters—it significantly reduces the complexity and cost of estate administration for your executors. A well-structured will with detailed asset information and clear beneficiary instructions can save your family thousands in probate costs.

Create your will with confidence using WUHLD's guided platform. For just £99.99, you'll get your complete will (legally binding when properly executed and witnessed) plus three expert guides. Preview your will free before paying anything—no credit card required.

Legal Disclaimer:

This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. WUHLD is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Laws and guidance change and their application depends on your circumstances. For advice about your situation, consult a qualified solicitor or regulated professional. Unless stated otherwise, information relates to England and Wales.

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