Solicitors usually charge between 1% and 5% of the estate’s value (plus VAT), though a fixed fee or hourly rate may apply for smaller or simpler estates.
Managing the affairs of someone who has passed away can feel overwhelming, especially when you're also navigating legal processes like probate. This involves sorting out the deceased's estate, from organising assets to settling debts, and many people choose to work with a solicitor to guide them through the process.
This guide breaks down what solicitor fees include, how costs vary, and what to expect when beginning the probate process.
How Much Probate Solicitors Charge
The exact solicitor fees you’ll pay for probate will depend on how they charge and the value of the estate. Your costs will vary based on the specific circumstances, how complex the estate is, and the types of assets involved.
Percentage Rate
This is common among probate solicitors and is usually between 1% and 2.5% of the value of the estate, plus VAT.
The exact fee depends on the estate's complexity and your solicitor's rate. For smaller estates, hourly or fixed fees may work out cheaper than percentage-based pricing.
Fixed Fee Basis
Fixed fee probate is when a solicitor charges a set amount for the entire probate process, usually paid either upon completion or from the estate once funds are available. Fees can range from £950 to £1,500 +VAT for basic estates, and £3,000 to £6,000 +VAT for more complex cases.
This option works well for smaller, straightforward estates as it usually includes obtaining the Grant of Probate and liaising with the executor. However, it's not recommended for complex or high-value estates where extensive legal work is required. In such cases, the final cost may exceed the initial quote if delays occur or additional work becomes necessary.
Hourly Rate
If your solicitor provides an estimate based on the number of hours they expect to work, this is known as an hourly rate. These rates typically range from £300 to £400 +VAT per hour.
With this approach, you're billed for the actual work carried out. It can be more cost-effective if the solicitor is only handling part of the probate process, such as applying for the Grant of Probate. However, the more work required, the higher the fees will be, making this option less suitable for larger or more complex estates.
It’s worth asking for both an hourly rate and a fixed-fee quote so you can compare them side-by-side before making a decision.
*Data taken from Taylor Rose, Simpsons Solicitors, TM Solicitors, Coles Miller and Streathers
What Does a Solicitor Charge to Be an Executor of an Estate?
A solicitor can be named as the executor of an estate in a will, essentially stepping into the role of managing everything after someone passes away. When they take on this responsibility they typically charge 1.5% to 2.5% of the total estate's value, and may add an extra 0.75% for any property involved.
If you are named as executor but prefer not to handle the work yourself, many solicitors offer services to estate administration services your behalf. The exact fees depend on how much work you delegate to them.
There are typically three service options:
Full Administration
This is the most expensive option, with costs ranging from 1%-2% of the estate's value, and an additional cost of 0.5% of the value of the property.
Your solicitor will manage the bulk of the work, assessing, transferring and distributing assets, paying taxes and preparing the final estate accounts. However, it does not include the sale or transfer of property, which would be handled separately.
Partial Administration
This middle-ground option typically costs between £1,500 and £3,500 +VAT.
With partial administration, your solicitor takes care of the legal bits, such as applying for grant of probate, plus any additional work you need help with. It's essentially getting professional support for the trickier parts of probate without handing everything over.
This option is often more cost-effective and is well-suited to smaller or less complex estates where you're happy to stay involved in the process.
Obtaining a Grant of Probate
This is the more basic level of service, costing between £450 and £2,500.
If you're confident about managing most of the estate administration yourself but want professional help with the Grant of Probate application, this could be ideal. Your solicitor can handle with this paperwork whilst you carry out all other enquires and work needed during the probate process.
This is option not always recommended if the estate is high-value or complex.
Read more: Probate Granted: What Happens Next?
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Disbursement Costs
Disbursements are third-party charges for services that your solicitor arranges on your behalf. These services make up key parts of the probate process and are separate from the solicitor’s own fees. Keep in mind that VAT (at 20%) will apply to some of these costs.
These often include:
| Disbursement | Cost |
|---|---|
| Probate application fee | £300 (for estates valued over £5,000 - there is no fee for estates valued £5,000 or less) |
| Bankruptcy searches | £2.00 per beneficiary |
| Land registry fees | £3.90 per property |
| Copies of the grant of probate | £1.50 per copy |
| Statutory notice advertising | Varies |
Factors That Influence Probate Fees
Several factors can influence probate fees. Any increase in fees is usually due to the complexity and extra work required in these circumstances.
For example, an estate consisting of:
- one property
- three bank accounts
- five beneficiaries
- a valid will
will incur higher solicitor fees than an estate of:
- one property
- two bank accounts
- three beneficiaries
- a valid will
But, if the latter also included disputes, selling property and missing documents, it could be more costly than the first example.
Influencing factors include, but are not limited to:
The number of beneficiaries
The number of properties left as part of the estate
Number of bank accounts
Amount of shares
Value of the estate and all assets (including property)
Whether there is a valid will
If there are disputes among beneficiaries or unexpected claims
If a property is being sold or transferred
Missing documents
Admin for any foreign assets
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Other Probate Costs to Consider
During the probate process, there will be other costs to consider alongside what your solicitor charges. These include but are not limited to:
Inheritance Tax
Capital Gains Tax
Unoccupied property insurance (if a property is part of the estate and left empty)
When Should You Use a Solicitor?
Legally you do not need a solicitor for probate in the UK and DIY Probate may be possible for smaller, less valuable estates. However, it is a complicated, time-consuming, and sometimes difficult process. Costly mistakes could be made, negatively impacting beneficiaries and dependents.
Not only will a solicitor be experienced in these matters, they will also be able to advise you throughout the process. It is especially recommended that a solicitor is used if the following apply:
Bankruptcy
The will is complicated
If there are inheritance disputes
The estate is generating income
There are disputes or questions surrounding the will's validity
The estate value is over the inheritance tax threshold (£325,000)
Part of the estate is being left to children and/or grandchildren
Finding a Probate Solicitor
A solicitor will help to ensure that everything is being carried out correctly. They will assist you with specialist legal advice surrounding the probate process.
At Compare My Move, we can match you with up to 6 licenced and trusted probate solicitors. Simply fill in our probate comparison form.
Each company we work with is regulated by either:
the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)
the Law Society of Scotland (LSS)
the Law Society of Northern Ireland (LSNI)
Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC)
the Institute of Chartered Accountants (ICAEW)
All probate partners must also pass our strict verification process. This way you know you are being matched with the best in the industry. Compare probate solicitors today and save money on your probate fees.
