How Much Do Solicitors Charge for Probate

Discover how much solicitors charge for probate in the UK, including fixed, hourly, and percentage fees, plus what affects the overall cost.

At Lillian Purge, we specialise in SEO for Solicitors. This page covers how much solicitors charge for probate.

At Lillian Purge, we specialise in SEO for solicitors, helping law firms attract more clients by improving their online visibility and authority. One of the most common questions people search for when dealing with the estate of a loved one is, “How much do solicitors charge for probate?” The answer depends on the complexity of the estate, the level of service required, and how the solicitor structures their fees.

Understanding What Probate Involves

Probate is the legal process of administering a person’s estate after they pass away. It includes valuing assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing what remains to beneficiaries according to the will or the rules of intestacy.

Many people appoint a solicitor to handle probate because it can be time-consuming, complex, and emotionally draining, especially if the estate includes property, business assets, or inheritance tax liabilities.

The Main Ways Solicitors Charge for Probate

Solicitors in the UK typically use one of three main fee structures for probate work: fixed fees, hourly rates, or percentage-based fees. Some firms offer a hybrid model that combines elements of these.

1. Fixed Fees

Fixed fees are becoming increasingly popular because they provide clients with clarity and certainty about costs from the start. The solicitor agrees to carry out a specific set of tasks for an agreed price.

For example:

Applying for the Grant of Probate only (when the client handles the rest): £750 to £1,500 plus VAT.
Full probate service, including estate administration: £2,500 to £6,000 plus VAT, depending on the complexity of the estate.

Fixed-fee arrangements are often suitable for straightforward estates where all assets are easy to locate and there are no disputes among beneficiaries.

2. Hourly Rates

Some solicitors charge for probate work on an hourly basis, particularly when the estate is complex or unpredictable.

Typical hourly rates range from £150 to £350 per hour, depending on the solicitor’s experience and the location of the firm.

Hourly billing is common in cases where:

There are disputes among beneficiaries.
The estate includes multiple properties or foreign assets.
There are issues with the will or challenges to its validity.

While this structure offers flexibility, clients should always ask for an estimate of total hours likely required to avoid surprises later on.

3. Percentage of the Estate

A traditional way of calculating probate costs is by taking a percentage of the total estate value. This approach is less common today but still used by some firms, particularly larger practices.

Typical rates are:

1% to 2% of the gross estate value (excluding VAT).

For example, for an estate worth £400,000, a solicitor charging 1.5% would cost around £6,000.

Some firms combine a percentage fee with an hourly rate, particularly if the estate involves complex legal or tax work.

Additional Costs to Be Aware Of

In addition to legal fees, clients should expect some disbursements—third-party costs paid by the solicitor on the client’s behalf. These can include:

Probate application fee: £273 (plus £1.50 per additional copy).
Bankruptcy searches: £2 per beneficiary.
Land Registry fees for property transfers.
Valuation fees for property or shares.
HMRC inheritance tax payments (if applicable).

It’s important to clarify what’s included in your solicitor’s quote to avoid unexpected costs later.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Probate

The total cost of probate can vary widely based on several factors:

Size of the estate: Larger estates with multiple properties, investments, or business assets require more time to administer.
Complexity: Estates involving trusts, overseas assets, or inheritance tax calculations cost more to handle.
Disputes or complications: Legal disputes, unclear wills, or missing beneficiaries increase the time and cost.
Executor involvement: Costs are lower if the executor provides organised financial records and assists in gathering information.
Location: Solicitors in London or major cities generally charge more than those in smaller towns.

A simple estate with one property, a few bank accounts, and no tax issues might cost around £1,500 to £3,000 in total. Complex estates can exceed £10,000 if significant legal or tax work is needed.

When Fixed Fees Are a Good Choice

For many families, fixed fees are the best option because they offer transparency and reduce stress during a difficult time. However, make sure the scope of work is clearly defined in writing. Some fixed-fee quotes cover only the application for probate, while others include full estate administration.

Always ask what is included in the service—for example, dealing with HMRC, collecting assets, and distributing funds to beneficiaries.

When Hourly Rates May Be More Suitable

If an estate involves disputes, large property portfolios, or complicated tax issues, hourly rates may be more practical. They allow solicitors to adapt as the case evolves.

Clients can still manage costs by requesting regular updates and setting agreed budgets. Open communication helps ensure that fees stay reasonable and predictable.

DIY Probate vs Using a Solicitor

It is legally possible to apply for probate without a solicitor, but many people choose professional help because the process can be time-consuming and technical.

DIY probate might save money upfront, but mistakes in valuation, tax reporting, or legal documentation can cause delays or penalties later. Solicitors bring experience, efficiency, and peace of mind—especially for estates with inheritance tax or complex financial arrangements.

Transparency and Regulation

All solicitors in England and Wales are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). Firms must publish clear pricing information on their websites for probate services, including details of what is included in their quoted fees.

This transparency allows clients to compare options easily and choose the firm that offers the best combination of service, expertise, and value.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Probate Solicitor

Before committing to a solicitor, consider asking:

Is your fee fixed, hourly, or percentage-based?
What exactly is included in the price?
Are disbursements included or charged separately?
How long do you expect the process to take?
Who will handle the work—senior solicitors, paralegals, or a mix?

Getting these details in writing ensures there are no misunderstandings later.

Why Professional Probate Services Are Worth It

While costs vary, hiring a solicitor for probate offers significant advantages. They handle the legal and administrative burden, prevent errors, and ensure compliance with inheritance laws and HMRC requirements.

For executors and families, this professional guidance saves time and reduces stress, especially when managing complex estates or emotional circumstances.

At Lillian Purge, we help solicitors improve their online visibility so potential clients can find and understand their probate services with ease. Clear, transparent communication about fees builds trust—and that trust converts into more instructions.

If you want to attract more clients searching for probate advice in your area, get in touch today.