UK Probate Fees Calculator
Calculate the complete cost of probate in the UK including court fees, legal costs, and inheritance tax. Get an accurate estimate for your estate administration expenses.
Calculate Your Probate Costs
Probate Fees Explained
Court Application Fees
The Probate Registry charges a fixed fee for processing your Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration application. As of 2025, this fee is £300 for estates valued over £5,000. Estates worth £5,000 or less are exempt from this fee.
Additional sealed copies of the grant cost £1.50 each. You’ll typically need multiple copies to send to banks, insurance companies, and other organisations simultaneously.
Legal and Professional Fees
Solicitor fees for probate services vary significantly based on the estate’s complexity and the firm’s pricing structure. Most solicitors charge either:
- Hourly rates: £200-£600 per hour depending on seniority
- Percentage fees: 1.5-5% of the gross estate value
- Fixed fees: £2,000-£8,000+ depending on complexity
Inheritance Tax Considerations
If the estate exceeds the £325,000 threshold (or £650,000 for married couples with residence nil-rate band), Inheritance Tax at 40% may be due. This must be paid before probate is granted, and professional advice is essential for complex estates.
Additional Costs (Disbursements)
Other expenses that may apply include:
- Property valuations: £200-£500 per property
- Asset searches: £100-£300
- Bankruptcy searches: £6 per UK beneficiary
- Statutory notices in newspapers: £200-£400
- Identity verification: £20-£50 per executor
Important Notice
This calculator provides estimates based on typical scenarios. Actual costs may vary significantly depending on your specific circumstances. Always consult with a qualified solicitor for accurate cost assessments and legal advice tailored to your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
The probate process typically takes 6-12 months, though complex estates can take over a year. Simple cases with no inheritance tax may be completed in 4-6 months, while estates with disputes, multiple properties, or complex tax situations often take longer.
Inheritance tax must be paid within 6 months of death to avoid interest charges. However, you can usually pay in instalments for property, with the first instalment due before probate is granted. The tax must be settled before you can receive the grant.
Yes, you can apply for probate yourself for simple estates. However, professional help is recommended for complex estates, those involving inheritance tax, disputes between beneficiaries, or if you’re unsure about the process. DIY probate can save money but may be time-consuming and stressful.
You may be eligible for fee remission if you’re on low income or certain benefits. Apply using form EX160 or online through the fee remission service. Some solicitors also offer deferred payment arrangements where fees are paid from the estate assets once probate is granted.
Not always. Small estates (typically under £15,000-£50,000 depending on the institution) may be released without probate. Joint assets passing by survivorship and assets with nominated beneficiaries usually don’t require probate. However, most estates with property, significant savings, or investments will need probate.
Consider: making a clear, comprehensive will; keeping detailed records of assets; setting up joint ownership where appropriate; using lifetime gifts to reduce estate value; seeking fixed-fee arrangements with solicitors; and handling simple aspects yourself while getting professional help for complex issues.
References
- HM Courts & Tribunals Service. (2025). Applying for probate: Fees. GOV.UK. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/applying-for-probate/fees
- HM Revenue and Customs. (2025). Inheritance Tax rates and allowances. GOV.UK.
- The Law Society. (2024). Probate and Administration of Estates: Practice Notes. London: The Law Society.
- Solicitors Regulation Authority. (2025). Price and Service Transparency Rules. SRA Standards and Regulations.
- HM Courts & Tribunals Service. (2025). Help with fees for probate applications. Court and Tribunal Forms.