How Much Does a Solicitor Charge to Be an Executor

Discover solicitor fees for acting as an executor, including average costs, what’s included, and how to manage estate administration efficiently.

At Lillian Purge, we specialise in SEO for Solicitors. Find out how much a solicitor charges to be the executor of a will.

When someone passes away, the process of managing their estate can be complex and time-consuming. Executors are responsible for collecting assets, paying debts, handling taxes, and distributing inheritance according to the will. Many people appoint a solicitor as their executor to ensure these duties are handled professionally and in line with the law.

However, one of the most common questions people have is how much a solicitor charges to act as an executor. This article explains how those fees work, what factors affect the cost, and what you can expect when appointing a solicitor to manage an estate.

What Does an Executor Do?

An executor is the person or professional named in a will to handle the estate after someone’s death. Their responsibilities include:

  • Gathering and valuing assets such as property, investments, and savings.

  • Paying any outstanding debts and taxes, including Inheritance Tax.

  • Applying for probate (the legal right to manage the estate).

  • Distributing the estate to beneficiaries according to the will.

These tasks require accuracy, time, and legal understanding, which is why many people choose to appoint a solicitor as executor—especially for larger or more complex estates.

How Solicitors Charge for Executor Services

Solicitors typically charge in one of three ways when acting as an executor or handling probate:

1. Fixed Fee

Some solicitors offer a fixed fee for managing the estate. This provides certainty over costs from the outset and is often based on the estimated value and complexity of the estate. Fixed fees are most common for straightforward estates with minimal assets or debts.

Average fixed fees range from £1,000 to £3,000 plus VAT, although this can vary depending on location and firm size.

2. Hourly Rate

Many solicitors charge by the hour for executor and probate services. Rates can range between £150 and £300 per hour, depending on the solicitor’s experience and seniority.

This method is often used for estates where the amount of work cannot be easily predicted, such as when disputes arise or records are incomplete.

3. Percentage of the Estate

Some solicitors charge a percentage of the estate’s total value, typically between 1% and 5% plus VAT, depending on the size and complexity of the estate.

For example:

  • An estate worth £250,000 could incur solicitor fees of £2,500 to £12,500 plus VAT.

  • An estate worth £500,000 might cost between £5,000 and £25,000 plus VAT.

This model is more common when the solicitor is both executor and legal representative, as it reflects the responsibility of managing all estate assets.

Factors That Affect the Cost

The total cost of a solicitor acting as executor depends on several key factors:

  • Estate complexity: Estates involving multiple properties, trusts, or overseas assets require more work and specialist expertise.

  • Number of beneficiaries: The more people involved, the more communication and coordination are required.

  • Presence of disputes: Family disagreements, contested wills, or unclear documentation can extend the process significantly.

  • Tax obligations: Calculating and filing inheritance tax or capital gains tax adds time and responsibility.

  • Level of involvement: Some clients ask solicitors to handle the entire process, while others only require limited legal support.

Each estate is unique, so it’s essential to request a detailed quote before appointing a solicitor to act as executor.

The Benefits of Appointing a Solicitor as Executor

While appointing a solicitor as executor involves professional fees, it can also save time, stress, and potential legal risks for family members. The benefits include:

  • Expertise: Solicitors understand probate law, inheritance tax, and property transfer procedures.

  • Impartiality: A solicitor acts neutrally, helping to prevent family disputes.

  • Accuracy: Legal professionals ensure all forms and deadlines are completed correctly.

  • Protection: Executors are personally liable for mistakes—appointing a solicitor reduces that risk.

  • Efficiency: Solicitors can complete administrative and legal tasks more quickly than individuals unfamiliar with the process.

For complex or high-value estates, these advantages often outweigh the cost.

What’s Included in a Solicitor’s Executor Service

When a solicitor is appointed as executor, their service usually includes:

  • Valuing and managing all assets.

  • Completing inheritance tax forms and payments.

  • Applying for the Grant of Probate.

  • Collecting and distributing funds to beneficiaries.

  • Preparing detailed estate accounts.

  • Communicating with HMRC, banks, and insurers.

Most firms also provide regular progress updates to keep beneficiaries informed throughout the process.

How to Keep Costs Under Control

You can manage costs effectively by:

  • Requesting a written breakdown of fees before work begins.

  • Asking for a fixed-fee estimate where possible.

  • Clarifying whether VAT and disbursements (third-party costs) are included.

  • Regularly reviewing progress and costs with your solicitor.

Some solicitors also offer partial services, such as handling only the probate application while you manage other parts of the estate. This can help reduce overall fees.

Disbursements and Additional Charges

In addition to professional fees, there are third-party costs (disbursements) that are usually passed on at cost. These might include:

  • Probate application fee: £300 (approx.)

  • Official copies of the Grant of Probate: £1.50 each

  • Bankruptcy and search fees: £2 per beneficiary

  • Valuation reports for property or investments.

These costs are usually small compared to legal fees but should still be included in your quote.

When It’s Worth Appointing a Solicitor

While some people manage probate themselves, appointing a solicitor is strongly recommended if:

  • The estate includes property abroad.

  • There are trusts or complex investments.

  • The estate is taxable for inheritance purposes.

  • Family disputes are likely.

  • You want to avoid personal liability as executor.

In these cases, professional support ensures the estate is handled correctly and beneficiaries receive their inheritance without unnecessary delay.

Expert Advice from Lillian Purge

  1. Ask for transparency. Always request a clear written quote and explanation of how fees are calculated.

  2. Choose experience. Work with solicitors who specialise in probate and estate administration.

  3. Consider complexity. Simple estates may not require full representation, while larger ones benefit from expert oversight.

  4. Compare options. Obtain several quotes before appointing an executor solicitor.

  5. Plan early. Naming a solicitor as executor in your will ensures clarity and avoids confusion later.

A solicitor’s fee to act as executor varies depending on the estate’s complexity and the level of service required. While it is an additional cost, professional support offers peace of mind, accuracy, and fairness for everyone involved in managing the estate.

See more details in how much does a solicitor charge for power of attorney and how much do solicitors charge to register a property or visit our Solicitors Hub.