Probate Fees & Costs: What to Expect in the UK

Probate is the legal process of managing someone’s estate after they pass away. But how much does probate cost in the UK? The answer depends on several factors, including whether you use a solicitor, the value of the estate, and how complex the situation is.

TL;DR: Probate fees in the UK typically include a government court fee of £273 (as of 2025) plus optional solicitor fees, which vary widely. Using a solicitor can save time, stress, and legal risk, especially for larger or contested estates, so we strongly recommend you use a solicitor if you are dealing with the estate of a loved one.

Table of Contents

What Is Probate and Why Does It Cost Money?

Probate Court Fees: What You’ll Pay the Government

How Much Do Solicitors Charge for Probate Fees?

How Do I Pay Probate Fees in the UK?

Do I Need a Solicitor for Probate?

How Long After Probate Is Granted Does It Take to Receive Inheritance?

Probate FAQs

In Summary

What Is Probate and Why Does It Cost Money?

Probate is the process of proving a Will and authorising someone (usually an executor) to deal with a deceased person’s estate. This involves collecting assets, paying debts, and distributing inheritance.

While some people attempt DIY probate, most families choose legal support due to the complexity, risk, and emotional burden. That’s where probate charges and solicitor costs come into play.

Probate Court Fees: What You’ll Pay the Government

If the estate is worth more than £5,000, a flat probate application fee of £273 applies in England and Wales. This is paid to HMCTS (the probate registry).

Additional charges may include:

• £1.50 per official copy of the Grant of Probate
  
• Inheritance tax (if applicable — separate from probate).

How Much Do Solicitors Charge for Probate Fees?

What is the approximate fee for a solicitor to do probate? It varies depending on:

• Size and complexity of the estate
  
• Whether there’s a Will
  
• Number of assets (property, accounts, etc.)
  
• Disputes or complications.

Typical solicitor fees for probate include:

Service Type	Approximate Cost
Fixed fee for basic estate	£750–£2,500 + VAT
Percentage-based (1%–5% of estate)	£2,000–£10,000+
Hourly rate (complex cases)	£200–£400 per hour + VAT

💡 Tip: Always ask for a written estimate and confirm whether fees are fixed, percentage-based, or hourly.

How Do I Pay Probate Fees in the UK?

When someone dies, the cost of probate — including government probate application fees and any solicitors’ fees for probate — is typically settled using funds from the estate itself. However, executors and administrators may face a short-term challenge: estate accounts are often frozen until the Grant of Probate is issued.

Here’s how the payment process usually works:

1. Using Estate Funds (Once Probate Is Granted)

After obtaining the Grant of Probate, the executor gains legal authority to access the deceased’s bank accounts and financial assets. At this point, they can:

• Pay outstanding probate charges (e.g. legal fees, inheritance tax, property valuations).
  
• Reimburse themselves for any approved upfront expenses.
  
• Settle debts and distribute the estate.

✅ This is the most common way probate fees are paid and poses little risk once the grant is in place.

2. Paying Fees Upfront (And Reclaiming Later)

Before probate is granted, there may be fees that need to be covered, such as:

• The £273 government probate court fee.
  
• Fees for certified copies of the Grant.
  
• Initial solicitor consultations or valuations.

If funds are inaccessible, executors or family members may:

• Cover these costs personally.
  
• Keep a clear paper trail of expenses.
  
• Be reimbursed from the estate after probate is granted.

💡 Tip: Keep detailed records and receipts for all probate-related payments. A solicitor can help ensure proper reimbursement.

3. Getting Help from a Solicitor to Access Funds

Many solicitors offer practical solutions to ease the cash flow burden at the start of probate. For example, they can:

• Liaise with banks to release funds directly for probate application fees.
  
• Offer a deferred payment plan, where their fees are paid once funds are available.
  
• Arrange for payment of probate court fees on your behalf, especially in straightforward estates.

At Burt Brill & Cardens, we can help executors avoid paying large upfront sums by managing these early-stage financial hurdles with care and transparency.

⚖️ Remember: Executors have a legal duty to act in the best interests of the estate and beneficiaries. Working with a solicitor ensures financial matters are handled correctly and efficiently.

Do I Need a Solicitor for Probate?

Do you need a solicitor for probate? Technically, no — there’s no legal requirement to use one. However, in practice, many executors and families choose to work with a solicitor to avoid costly mistakes, delays, or legal disputes.

Whether you need legal help often depends on the value, complexity, and risk involved in the estate. For example:

• Low-value estates under £5,000 may not require a Grant of Probate.
  
• Simple estates under £50,000 with one bank account and no property can often be handled without professional help.
  
• Larger or complex estates (over £50,000, with property, shares, business assets, or inheritance tax liabilities) are much riskier to manage alone.

When It’s Especially Sensible to Use a Solicitor

You should strongly consider using a probate solicitor if:

• There is no Will (intestacy) and the legal rules for distribution are unclear.
  
• The estate includes property or land.
  
• There are debts, overseas assets, or multiple bank accounts.
• There are investments such as shares or specialist investments, like VCTs, investment trusts, or business relief assets.
  
• The estate may be subject to inheritance tax or there may be transferable Inheritance Tax reliefs. Estate assets may change in value during the probate process.
• The deceased owned or had an interest in a business or company, or a farm.
  
• Beneficiaries are in conflict, or the Will might be challenged.
  
• You are not confident in dealing with legal or financial paperwork.

⚠️ Executors are personally liable for mistakes — even if they’re accidental. Using a solicitor helps you avoid this risk. Make an enquiry today.

Benefits of Using a Probate Solicitor

Working with a solicitor offers several practical and legal advantages:

✅ Accurate Application for the Grant of Probate

Solicitors ensure all paperwork is correct, including:

• Completing PA1P or PA1A forms.
  
• Submitting the right tax returns (e.g. IHT205 or IHT400).
  
• Calculating the estate value and tax due correctly.

✅ Timely Settlement of Debts, Taxes, and Expenses

Probate solicitors manage the estate efficiently by:

• Notifying and paying off creditors.
  
• Filing and paying inheritance tax.
  
• Distributing funds in the correct order of priority.

✅ Protection from Personal Liability

Executors can be held financially responsible if:

• A beneficiary is missed.
  
• Taxes are underpaid.
  
• Assets are incorrectly distributed.

Solicitors reduce this risk by keeping full records and handling legal responsibilities on your behalf.

✅ Peace of Mind at a Difficult Time

Dealing with probate while grieving can be emotionally overwhelming. A solicitor takes the pressure off you, avoids family tensions, and keeps the process on track.

💬 “Our clients often tell us that having legal support during probate was the best decision they made — it saved time, stress, and often money in the long run.”

Related: Complicated Probate: A Guide for Executors To Help Reduce Mistakes & Mitigate Risk

How Long After Probate Is Granted Does It Take to Receive Inheritance?

The short answer is typically 6–12 weeks, but the actual timeline can vary depending on several factors.

Once the Grant of Probate has been issued, the executor has legal authority to begin distributing the estate. However, the estate must be fully “administered” before funds can be passed on to beneficiaries.

What Needs to Happen Before Inheritance Is Paid Out?

Once probate is granted, the executor or solicitor must:

• Collect all assets (e.g. bank accounts, investments, property proceeds).
  
• Pay any outstanding debts (e.g. mortgages, credit cards, utility bills).
  
• Settle taxes (e.g. income tax, capital gains tax, inheritance tax).
  
• Prepare estate accounts to show how everything has been handled.
  
• Ensure all legal requirements are fulfilled before distribution.

Only once these steps are completed can the estate be safely and legally distributed.

Common Delays in Receiving Inheritance

In straightforward estates, this process can be completed in a matter of weeks. However, certain issues can cause delays:

🏠 1. Property Sales

If the estate includes a house or flat, inheritance often depends on selling the property.

• Timeframe: 1–6 months (or longer if the market is slow).
  
• Funds can’t usually be distributed until the sale is completed.

🧾 2. Tax Issues or HMRC Delays

If inheritance tax or other liabilities need to be paid, HMRC may require additional information.

• Estates over the IHT threshold can take longer to assess.
  
• Delays in tax clearance will delay final distribution.

👤 3. Missing or Unresponsive Beneficiaries

If a beneficiary cannot be located or fails to respond, the executor may need to take additional steps, such as holding their share in trust or applying for indemnity insurance.

⚖️ 4. Disputes Between Beneficiaries

Disagreements over the Will, entitlements, or valuations can significantly hold up inheritance payments.

• Mediation or legal intervention may be required.
  
• Executors should avoid distributing until disputes are resolved.

📋 5. Complexity of the Estate

Estates with:

• Foreign assets
• Trust structures
  
• Business ownership
  
• Multiple beneficiaries

… often take longer to value, process, and distribute.

Interim Payments: Are They Possible?

In some cases, interim distributions can be made before the entire estate is finalised. This may be an option when:

• There are sufficient liquid funds
  
• No outstanding debts or risks remain
  
• Beneficiaries agree to an advance.

Final Distribution: What to Expect

Once all legal, tax, and administrative matters are resolved:

• Beneficiaries are usually issued a copy of the estate accounts.
  
• Funds are distributed by bank transfer or cheque.
  
• Final confirmation letters are often provided for transparency.

At Burt Brill & Cardens, we ensure that every stage is handled professionally and we keep beneficiaries informed throughout the process.

Related: Inheritance Tax (IHT): What You Need to Know 

Probate FAQs

Q: How much does probate cost if the estate is very small?
A: If the estate is worth under £5,000, no court fee applies. You may still pay solicitor fees if you use professional help.

Q: Are probate fees the same in Scotland and Northern Ireland?

A: No. Probate processes and court fees differ across the UK. The £273 flat fee applies to England and Wales only. Separate rules and charges apply in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Q: Can I switch solicitors during probate if I’m unhappy?

A: Yes. If you’re an executor and feel your current solicitor isn’t handling matters well, you can transfer the file to another firm. It’s important to do this early to avoid delays or duplication of costs.

Q: What is a Grant of Probate and why do I need it?
A: A Grant of Probate is an official document proving an executor’s authority to deal with the deceased’s estate. It’s required to access bank accounts, sell property, and distribute funds.

Q: Can beneficiaries request a breakdown of probate costs?

A: Yes. Beneficiaries have a right to ask for a summary of the estate accounts, including fees paid from the estate for probate, legal services, valuations, and taxes.

 

Related: Dealing With Debts and Liabilities in the Probate Process 

In Summary

Probate in the UK involves both government court fees and optional solicitor costs. The total cost of probate depends on the estate size and whether legal help is needed. You can pay these fees from the estate itself once probate is granted.

If you’re unsure whether to go it alone or need guidance, our Probate team at Burt Brill & Cardens is here to help you through every step, cost-effectively and with care.

👉 Need help understanding your probate options? Make an enquiry today or email us at enquire@bbc-law.co.uk or call us on 01273 604123.