Wills & Probate
Probate Solicitor Costs 2026: Fees, Percentage Charges, and DIY Options
Probate solicitors can charge by fixed fee, hourly rate, or percentage of the estate. The percentage model is often poor value. This guide explains what to expect and how to compare.
Probate Registry Fee: £300
The Probate Registry court fee is £300 for estates over £5,000. This is payable regardless of whether you use a solicitor or apply yourself. Estates under £5,000 pay nothing. This fee is separate from any solicitor's fee.
Three Ways Solicitors Charge for Probate
| Charging Model | Typical Cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed fee | £2,000-£10,000+ | Certainty; best for simple to moderate estates | May be higher upfront for very simple estates |
| Percentage of estate | 1-4% of estate value | Lower cost for very small estates | Often very expensive for large simple estates; poor value |
| Hourly rate | £150-£450/hr; typically 15-25 hours | Only pay for time actually spent | Unpredictable total; can escalate |
Worked Examples: Cost Comparison by Estate Size
Simple Estate: £200,000 (one property, two beneficiaries, no IHT)
Fixed fee
£2,000-£4,000
Percentage (1-4%)
£2,000-£8,000 (1-4%)
Hourly rate
£3,000-£7,500 (15-25 hrs at £200-£300/hr)
Verdict: Fixed fee wins -- clear, predictable, competitive.
Medium Estate: £500,000 (property + investments, four beneficiaries, no IHT)
Fixed fee
£3,500-£7,000
Percentage (1-4%)
£5,000-£20,000 (1-4%)
Hourly rate
£4,500-£11,250 (15-25 hrs at £300-£450/hr)
Verdict: Fixed fee best. Percentage is poor value at this level.
Complex Estate: £1,000,000+ (multiple properties, overseas assets, IHT liable)
Fixed fee
£8,000-£25,000+
Percentage (1-4%)
£10,000-£40,000+ (1-4%)
Hourly rate
£10,000-£30,000+ (30-75 hrs at £300-£450/hr)
Verdict: Get fixed quotes from multiple firms; IHT advice adds cost.
Additional Probate Costs to Budget For
| Additional Cost | Typical Cost | When Applicable |
|---|---|---|
| Statutory advertisements (London Gazette + local paper) | £150-£300 | Protects executor against unknown creditors |
| Land Registry copies (per title) | £3-£6 | Every property in the estate |
| Property valuation | £250-£500 | Required for IHT and fair distribution |
| IHT form preparation (accountant) | £500-£2,000 | If estate is above IHT nil-rate band (£325,000) |
| Tracing missing beneficiaries | £200-£1,000 | If beneficiaries cannot be located |
| Bank charges for releasing funds | £0-£200 | Some banks charge estate administration fees |
Percentage Fees: When to Refuse
If a solicitor quotes a percentage of estate value, always ask for an alternative fixed fee quote. For a £500,000 estate, a 2% fee is £10,000 -- but a fixed fee for the same work might be £4,000-£6,000. Many solicitors will accept a fixed fee arrangement if you ask. The SRA requires solicitors to provide cost information upfront and to explain how they calculate fees.
Probate FAQs
How long does probate take?
Straightforward probate typically takes 6-12 months from date of death to final distribution. The Probate Registry currently takes 8-16 weeks to issue the grant. Complex estates with IHT liabilities, disputes, property sales, or overseas assets can take 2-3 years. The main delays are HMRC IHT clearance, property sales, and tracing beneficiaries.
Can I start probate without a solicitor?
Yes. DIY probate is feasible for straightforward estates. You apply online or by post, pay the £300 court fee, and HMRC provides IHT forms if applicable. The process is manageable if there is a valid will, the estate is UK-based, there is no IHT to pay, and beneficiaries agree. The Probate Registry website provides guidance and forms.
What if there is no will?
Without a will you apply for Letters of Administration rather than a Grant of Probate. The same £300 court fee applies. The administrator must be a close relative under the intestacy rules: spouse first, then children, then parents, then siblings. The process takes longer and is more complex, particularly if there are disputes about who should administer.
What if beneficiaries disagree?
Disputes between beneficiaries are costly and time-consuming. A dispute about the will's validity can result in a caveat being entered at the Probate Registry, preventing the grant from being issued. Disputes are resolved through negotiation, mediation, or court proceedings. Contentious probate litigation typically costs £10,000-£50,000+ per side.