How much does probate cost in the UK?
Probate costs in the UK typically range from £300 to £5,000+ in 2026, depending on whether you apply yourself or use a solicitor.
Quick Answer:
Most probate cases in the UK cost between £1,000 and £5,000 in total.
- DIY probate: £300–£500
- Using a solicitor: £1,500–£5,000+
- Complex estates: £5,000+
Costs vary depending on property, assets, and whether professional help is used.
Probate Costs UK (2026): Quick Breakdown
- Application fee → £273
- Solicitor fees → £1,000–£5,000+
- Additional costs → £200–£2,000
- Total typical cost → £273–£5,000+
The average probate cost in the UK in 2026 typically ranges from £1,000 to £5,000, depending on the size and complexity of the estate. While the official probate application fee is relatively low, most of the cost comes from legal and administrative work.
In this guide, we break down probate fees in the UK, including solicitor costs, court fees, and how to reduce your total bill.
Typical probate cost in the UK
- Application fee in England and Wales: £300 if the estate is worth more than £5,000
- No application fee: if the estate is worth £5,000 or less
- Extra official copies of the grant: £16 each
- Solicitor or probate specialist help: can add hundreds or thousands of pounds, depending on the estate and pricing model
Planning overall costs? Use our UK Budget Calculator to estimate expenses.
Cost breakdown
A probate bill may include some or all of the following:
- Probate application fee: £300 in England and Wales for estates over £5,000
- Extra grant copies: £16 each
- Solicitor or probate specialist fee
- Valuation fees for property or possessions, where needed
- Inheritance tax-related administration
- Estate administration work, if someone else is handling the full process for you
In practice, the court fee itself is often the smallest part of the bill. The larger cost is usually the professional help, if you choose to use it. That is an inference supported by GOV.UK’s low fixed probate fee and Which?’s explanation that the wider probate process can involve much more than the application alone.
What affects the price?
Several things can push the total up or down:
- Whether you do it yourself — if you handle the application yourself, the cost may only be the court fee and copies.
- Estate size and complexity — larger or more complicated estates often involve more work.
- Whether inheritance tax is involved — tax work can add time and complexity. The Gazette notes that if inheritance tax is due, some of it usually has to be paid before probate is granted.
- Professional pricing model — some firms use fixed fees, while others charge based on time or a percentage of the estate. This is a common feature of probate services, though exact pricing varies by provider.
- Number of assets and beneficiaries — more accounts, properties, or beneficiaries usually means more administration. This is an inference based on the nature of estate administration.
What’s usually included?
If you are only paying the court fee, that usually covers:
- the probate application itself
- the grant of probate or letters of administration
- extra official copies if you order them separately
If you pay a solicitor or probate specialist, the service may also include:
- valuing the estate
- preparing probate paperwork
- dealing with tax forms
- collecting assets
- paying debts
- distributing the estate to beneficiaries
Is a death certificate required for probate?
Yes, it is usually required to manage the deceased person’s estate.
Can you do probate yourself?
Yes, in many cases. Which? explains that some people handle probate themselves, especially where the estate is straightforward. That can keep the cost much lower, but it also means taking on the paperwork and responsibility yourself.
Do you always need probate?
No. Whether probate is needed depends on the type of assets, how they were owned, and the institutions involved. Which? says some estates do not need probate at all, while others do.
How much does professional probate help cost?
There is no single UK-wide fixed fee, because firms price probate help in different ways. The court fee may only be £300, but using a professional can increase the total significantly into the hundreds or thousands depending on the estate. That conclusion is based on GOV.UK’s fixed application fee and Which?’s explanation of the wider estate administration process.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the probate application fee in England and Wales?
It is £300 if the estate is worth more than £5,000, and £0 if it is worth £5,000 or less.
How much are extra copies of probate?
Extra official copies of the grant cost £16 each.
Can probate cost more than £300?
Yes. The court fee may be £300, but the total can be much higher if you use a solicitor or probate specialist.
Do all estates need probate?
No. Some estates do not require it, depending on the assets and circumstances.
Can You Avoid Probate Costs?
- Apply yourself (DIY probate)
- Use fixed-fee solicitors
- Prepare documents early
Related guides
- How much are conveyancing fees in the UK?
- How much does a house survey cost in the UK?
- How much are estate agent fees in the UK?
- How much is stamp duty in the UK?
Final note
For a useful rule of thumb, probate itself may cost only £300 in England and Wales if you handle the application yourself, but the real total can rise much higher if the estate is complex or you pay for professional help with the administration.