Probate Fees.
How we charge for administering an estate, what a typical estate costs, and the disbursements to expect.
Fees last reviewed July 2026
How we charge for probate
We deal with uncontested estates across England and Wales. We charge for the time and work your matter actually takes, and we give you a written estimate at the outset, so you know where you stand before any work begins. Our hourly rates currently range from £165 to £325 plus VAT (£198 to £390 including VAT), depending on who carries out your matter.
What a typical estate costs
Every estate is different, so the figures below are guides, not fixed prices. Once we understand the estate, we confirm a tailored estimate in writing.
Typically where there is a valid will, one property or none, a few bank accounts, no inheritance tax to pay, and no disputes between beneficiaries.
- Identifying the executors and the people who inherit
- Valuing the estate’s assets and debts
- Preparing the application and the simplified tax return
- Applying for the Grant of Probate
- Collecting the assets, settling debts and distributing the estate
Typically where inheritance tax is payable, there are several properties, business or agricultural assets, trusts, assets abroad, no valid will, or a larger number of beneficiaries.
- Everything in a straightforward estate, plus:
- A full inheritance tax account and dealing with HMRC
- Valuing and managing more complex assets
- Additional work where there is no will, or part of the estate is contested
The most complex estates can cost more than £12,000 plus VAT. If yours is likely to, we will explain why and agree the figure with you first.
What is not included
Our fees cover administering the estate. They do not include disbursements (below), selling a property (handled by our conveyancing team and quoted separately), or resolving a dispute over the estate. If a dispute arises, we will explain the options and, if needed, refer you to our inheritance disputes team, who charge separately.
Disbursements
- Probate application fee — £526 (estates over £5,000; no fee for smaller estates). No VAT.
- Sealed copies of the Grant — £16 each. No VAT.
- Bankruptcy searches — around £2 for each beneficiary. No VAT.
- Statutory notices protecting the estate against unknown claims — a London Gazette notice at £96.55 plus VAT (£115.86), and a local newspaper notice, typically £100–£200 plus VAT.
- Land Registry office copies, where the estate includes property — £7 per title. No VAT.
Key stages
- Initial advice We take your instructions and explain the steps and likely cost.
- Valuing the estate We establish the assets and debts and obtain valuations.
- Inheritance tax We report to HMRC and arrange payment of any tax due.
- Applying for the Grant We prepare and submit the application.
- Collecting and settling We gather the assets and pay the estate’s debts.
- Distributing the estate We distribute what is left and prepare estate accounts.
How long it takes
A straightforward estate usually takes 6 to 12 months, with the Grant itself normally issued 8 to 16 weeks after we apply. A more complex estate, particularly where inheritance tax is payable or a property is being sold, usually takes 12 to 24 months.
If you are ever unhappy with our service, our client care and complaints page explains how to raise it.
Probate & Estate Administration
Read more about how we help executors and families administer an estate.
Who will do your work
Your matter is handled by an experienced member of our team and supervised by a senior solicitor. Here is who you would be working with.
Talk to us about your matter
Confidential, no pressure, and we will explain what is involved before you commit to anything.