How Much Does Probate Cost in 2025/26? A Clear Breakdown of Fees

How Much Does Probate Cost in 2025/26? A Clear Breakdown of FeesThe Two Types of Probate Cost

When people ask about probate costs, they are usually referring to two different things: the fixed government court fees paid to HMCTS, and the variable professional fees charged if you instruct a solicitor or other probate practitioner to help.

Understanding the distinction between these is essential to planning your approach to estate administration.

Court Fees

The probate application fee in England and Wales is a flat £300 for all estates valued over £5,000. Estates worth £5,000 or less are exempt from the fee entirely. This fee applies regardless of the estate's total value — whether the estate is worth £10,000 or £10 million, the court fee is the same.

Additional certified copies of the grant of probate cost £16 each, following an increase from £1.50 in November 2025. Most executors will need several copies, because banks, building societies, pension providers, and other institutions typically each require their own copy before releasing funds.

If you need to apply for probate a second time (for example, if additional assets come to light after the first grant), the fee is £21.

If you cannot afford the court fees, the Ministry of Justice operates a fee remission scheme called "Help with Fees," which may reduce or waive the fee for applicants with low incomes or those receiving certain benefits.

Professional Fees

Solicitors and other probate practitioners typically charge for their services in one of three ways:

Fixed fees. Some firms offer a fixed fee for the entire probate process or for specific stages (such as obtaining the grant only). A grant-only service might cost between £750 and £1,500 plus VAT. Full estate administration on a fixed fee basis might range from £2,000 to £5,000 plus VAT for a straightforward estate.

Hourly rates. Other firms charge by the hour, with rates varying depending on the seniority of the person doing the work and the firm's location. Typical hourly rates for probate work range from £150 to £350 plus VAT.

Percentage of estate value. Some firms charge a percentage of the gross estate value, typically between 1% and 5% plus VAT. On a £500,000 estate, a 2% charge would amount to £10,000 plus VAT.

Under SRA transparency rules, regulated firms must publish their probate fees on their website, including the services covered, likely disbursements, and timescales. This makes it easier to compare costs before instructing a firm.

Other Costs to Consider

Beyond court fees and professional fees, there are several other costs that may arise during probate:

• Valuation fees for property, antiques, jewellery, or other specialist assets
• Statutory notice costs for advertising in The London Gazette and local newspapers (typically £150–£300)
• Land Registry fees if property needs to be transferred
• Conveyancing costs if property is being sold
• Inheritance tax (not a probate cost as such, but often the largest financial liability)
• Genealogical research fees if beneficiaries need to be traced

How Are Probate Costs Paid?

Most probate costs are ultimately paid from the estate itself, not from the executor's personal funds. However, there is a practical difficulty: the estate's bank accounts are typically frozen until probate is granted, so the executor may need to fund certain costs upfront — particularly the court fee and any IHT payment due before the grant is issued.

Some banks will release limited funds to cover probate costs and funeral expenses before the grant is issued. The Direct Payment Scheme also allows funds to be released directly to HMRC for inheritance tax.

Once the grant of probate is obtained and estate funds become accessible, the executor can reimburse themselves for any legitimate expenses incurred.

Keeping Costs Down

If the estate is relatively straightforward — for example, a modest estate with a clear will, no IHT liability, and cooperative beneficiaries — handling probate yourself can save a significant amount in professional fees. HMCTS provides guidance and an online application process to support personal applicants.

For more complex estates, instructing a solicitor early on can actually save money in the long run, by avoiding costly mistakes, ensuring tax is calculated correctly, and preventing disputes before they escalate.

At Safe Harbour Legal, we are transparent about our fees and always provide clear cost information at the outset, in line with our obligations under the SRA Standards and Regulations.

This guide is intended as general legal information and does not constitute legal advice. Safe Harbour Legal is a trading name of Legal Studio, authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.