How Much Do Solicitors Charge for Probate? The Shocking Truth About Fees in 2025

Dealing with the death of a loved one is hard enough without worrying about legal fees If you’re wondering how much solicitors charge for probate, you’re not alone. I’ve spent countless hours researching this topic to help our readers navigate this confusing process, and what I’ve discovered might surprise you

The Eye-Opening Reality of Probate Costs

Let’s be honest – probate can be expensive. The cost of a solicitor can be anywhere from £1,500 to £15,000, depending on how complicated your case is. The really bad news is that these fees are only the start of what you’ll have to pay during the whole probate process.

Recent data shows that the total cost of probate, which includes legal fees and other costs, usually takes between 3 and 7 percent of the total value of the estate. That’s a huge £15,000 to £35,000 in costs for a £500,000 estate!

“I was shocked when I saw the final bill for my mum’s estate. We expected the solicitor’s fees but all the additional costs nearly doubled what we thought we’d pay!” – Sarah, Birmingham

Understanding Fee Structures for Probate Solicitors

Probate solicitors typically use one of these four fee structures:

1. Hourly rates: You pay for actual time spent (£175-£450+ per hour)
2. Fixed fees: One upfront price for the entire process
3. Percentage-based fees: Based on the estate’s value
4. Hybrid models: Combining elements from different approaches

Let me break this down with some real numbers from mfg Solicitors:

Hourly Rates Example (UK)

Fixed Fee Examples (UK)

If you’re looking for more predictable costs, many firms offer fixed fee packages:

• Grant of Representation only (simple IHT205 form): From £2,000 + VAT (£2,400 total)
• Grant of Representation only (complex IHT400 form): From £2,500 + VAT (£3,000 total)

For full estate administration, costs typically range based on estate value:

• Up to £50,000: £1,800-£2,600 + VAT (£2,160-£3,120 total)
• £50,000-£100,000: £2,600-£4,200 + VAT (£3,120-£5,040 total)
• £100,000-£325,000: £4,200-£7,800 + VAT (£5,040-£9,360 total)
• £325,000-£650,000: £5,200-£9,900 + VAT (£6,240-£11,880 total)
• £650,000-£2,000,000: £7,300-£32,000 + VAT (£8,760-£38,400 total)
• Over £2,000,000: By agreement (potentially much higher)

What Factors Affect Probate Solicitor Fees?

There are a lot of different probate fees, and many of my clients don’t understand why. These are the main things that determine the price:

1. Estate Complexity

• Number of assets and accounts
• Property ownership
• Business interests
• Foreign assets
• Trusts involved

2. Estate Size

Generally, larger estates cost more to administer, but this isn’t always the case. Sometimes a smaller estate with complicated assets can cost more than a larger estate with simple investments.

3. Whether There’s a Valid Will

Estates without a will (intestate) typically cost 20-30% more to administer because solicitors need to:

• Research family trees
• Track down potential heirs
• Deal with additional court procedures

4. Geographic Location

Solicitor fees vary significantly by location:

• London/major cities: Higher rates (often £300-£500/hour)
• Rural areas: Lower rates (typically £150-£250/hour)

5. Records Organization

Well-organized records can save significant solicitor time and reduce your costs.

Additional Probate Expenses You Can’t Avoid

The solicitor’s fee is just one piece of the puzzle. Here are other expenses you’ll likely encounter:

Court & Government Fees

• Probate application fee: £300 in the UK
• Office copies of grant: £1.50 each (usually need multiple copies)
• Land Registry search fee: £3

Hidden Costs That Surprise Families

• Appraisal costs: £300-£500 per property
• Newspaper notices: Varies (required to notify creditors)
• London Gazette notice: Varies (legally required in many cases)
• Accounting and tax preparation: £500-£2,000
• Property management costs during probate (mortgage, utilities, insurance)

Do You Really Need a Solicitor for Probate?

Technically, no – most jurisdictions don’t legally require you to hire a probate solicitor. But here’s the reality I’ve seen with my clients:

DIY probate often backfires. Well-meaning executors spend months preparing court documents, only to have them rejected for procedural errors, costing more time and money in the long run.

Professional help makes sense when:

• The estate exceeds £100,000
• There are multiple beneficiaries
• The deceased owned property in different countries
• Tax situations are complex
• You’re feeling overwhelmed by the responsibility

DIY probate might work for very small estates with:

• Simple family situations
• Excellent record-keeping
• Straightforward asset structures

How to Minimize Probate Solicitor Costs

After helping dozens of families through probate, I’ve found these strategies effective for keeping solicitor costs manageable:

1. Do some tasks yourself

You can handle:

• Gathering death certificates
• Creating asset inventories
• Notifying banks
• Organizing documents

2. Compare fee structures

• For simple estates: Fixed fees often save money
• For complex estates: Hourly rates might be better if the solicitor is efficient

3. Ask about “unbundled services”

Some solicitors will handle just the complex parts while you do the rest.

4. Get organized before meeting your solicitor

• Create an asset inventory
• Gather account statements
• Collect property deeds
• Make a list of beneficiaries

Who Actually Pays for Probate Solicitor Fees?

You won’t have to pay these costs yourself, which is good news. All costs related to probate are paid for by the estate’s assets before any money is given to beneficiaries.

But what if there’s not enough cash?

In cash-poor estates, these options typically work:

• Executor advancement (reimbursed later)
• Waiting for payment until property sells
• Partial asset distributions authorized by courts

Common Questions About Probate Solicitor Fees

Q: What’s a reasonable cost for a simple estate?

A: For a straightforward estate under £500,000 with a valid will and good records, expect to pay £1,500-£3,000 for solicitor fees in the UK.

Q: Does it cost more if there’s no will?

A: Yes, typically 20-30% more due to additional court procedures, higher bond requirements, and more complicated distribution processes.

Q: Can I negotiate probate solicitor fees?

A: Absolutely! Many solicitors have flexibility in their fee structures. Don’t be afraid to ask for:

• Fee caps for hourly billing
• Discounts for well-organized estates
• Payment plans if needed

Plan Ahead to Avoid Probate Costs Entirely

The smartest approach? Plan to avoid probate altogether. These strategies can save your family thousands:

• Revocable living trusts: Cost £1,500-£3,000 to set up but often save more in probate fees
• Transfer-on-death deeds for real estate
• Joint ownership with right of survivorship for married couples
• Beneficiary designations on financial accounts
• Strategic lifetime gifting to shrink your estate

Final Thoughts

Navigating probate solicitor fees doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Most families spend between £1,500 and £7,000 on solicitor fees, with costs coming from estate assets, not personal funds.

Remember that the cheapest option isn’t always the best value. An experienced solicitor who charges more but works efficiently often costs less overall than a bargain solicitor who makes mistakes.

Have you had experience with probate solicitor fees? We’d love to hear your stories in the comments below!

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Disclaimer: This article provides general information about probate costs and is not legal advice. Fees and processes may vary by location and individual circumstances. Always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation.