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WILLS PROBATE |
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Key Facts: Primary Sources Cited
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In Brief Probate solicitors in England and Wales charge a fixed fee, an hourly rate, or a percentage of the estate value. SRA transparency rules require firms advertising uncontested UK probate to publish their pricing basis. A separate £300 HMCTS fee, rising to £526 from 13 July 2026, applies regardless of the model. |
Why solicitors must publish probate pricing
The SRA's Transparency Rules require every regulated law firm and individual freelance solicitor that advertises probate work, specifically uncontested cases with all assets in the UK, to publish price and service information in a prominent, accessible place on their website, or make it available on request if they have no website. This applies specifically to the categories of conveyancing and probate, alongside several other consumer-facing legal services, and is intended to let clients compare firms before instructing one.
The rules require firms to state the basis of their charges, including any hourly rate or fixed fee, explain what is and is not included in a quoted price, and set out likely disbursements separately from the firm's own fee. This guide describes the three fee structures firms use to meet that requirement; it does not name individual firms' prices, since those change firm by firm and are published directly by each firm under this SRA obligation.
How much does probate cost with a solicitor
| Fee model | How it works | Source of the requirement to disclose it |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed fee | A single agreed price for defined scope of work, often for a grant-only service or full estate administration | SRA Transparency Rules, published pricing requirement |
| Hourly rate | Charged per hour worked by fee earners of different seniority, with total cost depending on time spent | SRA Transparency Rules, requirement to state hourly rate basis |
| Percentage of estate | A percentage of the gross or net estate value, sometimes combined with an hourly element | SRA Transparency Rules, requirement to explain charging basis |
| HMCTS application fee | Fixed government fee, separate from the solicitor's own charge | GOV.UK, Applying for probate: fees |
How much does a probate solicitor cost UK-wide
Because the SRA does not set prices and only requires firms to disclose their own, this guide does not publish an invented average or typical range across the market. What can be stated reliably is the structure: firms must tell you, before you instruct them, whether you are being quoted a fixed fee, an hourly rate, or a percentage, what services that figure includes, and what is charged separately as a disbursement, such as the HMCTS application fee, valuation costs, or Land Registry charges. Requesting this written breakdown from more than one firm, as the rules entitle you to do, is the only way to compare like with like for your specific estate.
Fixed fee vs hourly vs percentage: what to check
- Scope. Confirm whether the fee covers a grant-only service (obtaining probate itself) or full estate administration (collecting assets, paying debts, distributing to beneficiaries), since these are very different amounts of work.
- Disbursements. Ask whether the HMCTS fee, valuation costs, and Land Registry charges are included in the headline figure or added on top.
- VAT. Quoted fees are sometimes shown excluding VAT, which adds 20 percent to the final bill.
- Complexity triggers. Ask what would cause the fee to increase, such as a contested claim, assets abroad, or a full IHT400 requirement, all of which move the estate outside a standard uncontested scope.
DIY versus solicitor: the cost comparison
Applying without a solicitor limits your cost to the HMCTS fee and copy charges, described in full in our guide to probate without a solicitor. Instructing a solicitor adds their fee on top of the same government charge, in exchange for their handling of the legal paperwork, HMRC reporting, and correspondence with asset holders. Which route makes sense depends on the complexity of the estate and the executor's own capacity to manage the process, not solely on price. For a general overview of every cost component, see how much probate costs in the UK.
Valuations and solicitor fees
Whichever fee model a solicitor uses, the estate still has to be valued correctly before probate can be applied for, and valuation costs are typically charged separately as a disbursement rather than folded into the solicitor's own fee. See probate valuation costs for what has to be valued and by whom.
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Disclaimer This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Figures and fees are correct as of the date of publication and are subject to change; always confirm current costs directly with the relevant government body, court service, or regulator before making a decision based on this guide. Kael Tripton Ltd does not provide legal or financial advice and receives no commission, referral fee, or lead-generation payment in connection with this content. |
Do all solicitors charge the same for probate?
No. The SRA does not regulate the amount firms charge, only their obligation to publish clear pricing information for uncontested UK probate work. Fees vary firm by firm and by the fee model used.
What is the SRA Transparency Rules requirement for probate?
Firms that advertise uncontested probate services with all assets in the UK must publish, or make available on request, information on their pricing basis, what is included, and their complaints procedure, so consumers can compare providers before instructing one.
Is the HMCTS fee included in a solicitor's quote?
It depends on the firm. Some quote the HMCTS application fee separately as a disbursement, others may include it in a headline figure. Always ask which applies before agreeing to instruct a firm.
Can I ask a solicitor for a fixed fee instead of hourly billing?
Yes. Many firms offer a fixed fee for straightforward uncontested estates. Whether this suits your situation depends on the scope agreed and what happens if the estate turns out to be more complex than initially assessed.
What happens if the estate turns out to be more complex than quoted?
Under the SRA rules, firms must inform you of revised cost information if the scope of work changes materially from what was originally quoted, such as a contested claim emerging or additional assets being discovered.
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