Key facts (2026): The probate court fee in England and Wales is £273 for estates over £5,000. Solicitor fees for handling probate typically range from £2,000–£6,000 for straightforward estates. You can apply for probate yourself at no solicitor cost.
Probate is the legal process of administering a deceased person's estate. Whether you need to apply for probate, and how much it costs, depends on the size and complexity of the estate. Many families are surprised to find that probate is something they can handle themselves, saving thousands of pounds.
Do You Always Need Probate?
Not every estate requires probate. If the deceased held assets jointly with a surviving spouse, those pass automatically. Bank accounts under £50,000 are often released without probate by many UK banks. However, property held solely in the deceased's name, shares, or significant savings almost always require probate before assets can be released.
Probate Court Fees 2026
The probate court fee in England and Wales is £273 for estates valued over £5,000. There is no fee for estates of £5,000 or under. Additional copies of the grant of probate cost £1.50 each — order at least 10 as you will need to send them to banks, pension providers, and other institutions.
Solicitor Probate Fees
Solicitors typically charge either an hourly rate (£150–£400/hour) or a percentage of the estate value (1–3%). For a straightforward estate worth £300,000, expect total solicitor fees of £3,000–£9,000. Always get a fixed fee quote rather than agreeing to a percentage — the work does not increase proportionally with estate value.
DIY Probate — Can You Do It Yourself?
Yes — you can apply for a Grant of Probate yourself at gov.uk/wills-probate-inheritance/applying-for-a-grant-of-representation. The process involves completing PA1P (if there is a will) or PA1A (if there is no will), submitting an inheritance tax return if required, and paying the court fee. For straightforward estates with a clear will and no disputes, DIY probate is entirely manageable.
Our Verdict
Probate solicitor fees are negotiable and often inflated relative to the actual work involved. For straightforward estates, DIY probate saves £2,000–£6,000 in solicitor fees. The court fee of £273 is unavoidable. Get at least two fixed-fee quotes from solicitors before instructing anyone, and always consider whether the complexity genuinely justifies professional involvement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does probate cost UK 2026?
The court fee is £273. Solicitor fees range from £2,000–£6,000 for straightforward estates. You can apply yourself with no solicitor cost.
Can I do probate myself UK?
Yes — apply at gov.uk/wills-probate-inheritance. It is suitable for straightforward estates with a clear will and no disputes.
How long does probate take UK?
Typically 3–6 months for straightforward estates. Complex or contested estates can take 1–2 years.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Always verify with official sources such as gov.uk or qualified professionals before making decisions.
Last updated: April 2026 · Author: Chandraketu Tripathi
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