Probate solicitor fees in the UK
Probate solicitor fees in the UK are typically charged either as a fixed fee (£1,500–£3,500 for a straightforward estate) or as a percentage of the estate (commonly 1–5%). The Probate Registry court fee is £273 for estates over £5,000. For simple estates with a clear will and few assets, DIY probate is feasible and costs only the court fee.
Readers comparing this typically also check will writing cost in the uk, power of attorney cost in the uk and solicitor hourly rates in the uk.
Cost table
| Item | Typical range (GBP) |
|---|---|
Grant of probate only (solicitor) + VAT | £800–£1,500 |
Full estate administration (simple) + VAT | £1,500–£3,500 |
Full estate administration (complex) + VAT | £3,500–£10,000 |
Percentage-based fee | 1–5% of estate |
Probate court application fee estates over £5,000 | £273 |
Additional copy grants per copy | £1–£2 |
DIY probate (no solicitor) court fee only | £273 |
Factors affecting cost
- ·Estate value and asset variety (shares, property, foreign assets).
- ·Whether IHT (inheritance tax) is payable — IHT400 form is far more complex than IHT205/IHT400 NIL.
- ·Number of beneficiaries and any disputes.
- ·Whether the will is missing, contested or contains unclear gifts.
- ·Whether the deceased had business interests or held trusts.
How to reduce costs
- ·Compare fixed-fee vs percentage quotes — percentage can be 3–4× more expensive on a £400k estate.
- ·If the will appoints a bank as executor, consider renouncing and instructing a solicitor on a fixed fee.
- ·DIY probate is realistic for estates under £325,000 with one property and a simple will.
- ·Get probate quotes from at least three SRA-regulated firms — the spread is routinely 200%.
- ·Don't use 'will writers' for probate — they are unregulated and there is no compensation scheme.
Frequently asked questions
How much do solicitors charge for probate in the UK?▾
Fixed-fee probate ranges £1,500–£3,500 for simple estates. Percentage-based fees of 2–5% are common — on a £400k estate that's £8,000–£20,000.
Can I do probate without a solicitor?▾
Yes, for straightforward estates under the IHT threshold and with no disputes. The Probate Registry application costs £273 and can be done online via gov.uk.
How long does probate take in the UK 2026?▾
Grant of probate currently takes 12–16 weeks from application. Full estate administration (selling property, distributing assets) takes 6–12 months.
Do I have to use a solicitor named in the will?▾
No. Executors can renounce or apply for the grant themselves, then instruct a solicitor of their choice on a fixed fee. This often saves significant money.
What is the difference between fixed fee and percentage probate?▾
Fixed fee gives certainty. Percentage fees benefit the solicitor when estate values rise; on high-value estates they are usually significantly more expensive than fixed fees for the same work.