How Much Does Probate Cost?
How Much Does Probate Cost in the UK?
A Comprehensive Guide to Probate Costs, Timelines, and Legal Support
Originally published on 11 January 2023. Last updated on 7 May 2026 to reflect current probate fees, typical costs and Probate Registry timelines.
Losing a loved one is difficult.
Dealing with their estate can be even harder—especially when you’re unsure how long it will take or how much probate costs in the UK.
At Bennett Griffin, we support families across West Sussex and beyond every day with clear, trusted advice.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- What probate is—and when it’s needed
- The average cost of probate UK-wide
- What influences probate costs (and how to reduce them)
- How long the process takes
- Whether you can do probate yourself
- Summary
What Is Probate?
Probate is the legal process of dealing with someone’s estate after they have died.
It gives the person handling the estate—called the executor (if there is a will) or administrator (if there isn’t)—the authority to access bank accounts, sell or transfer property, pay debts, and distribute assets to beneficiaries.
Probate confirms the legal right to act on behalf of the deceased and ensures the estate is handled correctly and in line with the law.
When Is Probate Needed?
You’ll typically need to apply for probate if:
- The deceased owned property or land in their sole name
- There are bank accounts or investments solely in their name (usually above £50,000 in value)
- A financial institution requests it before releasing funds
- The deceased left a will, and you are the named executor
- There is no will, and you are a close relative entitled to apply under intestacy rules
When Probate May Not Be Required
In some situations, probate may not be needed:
- The estate is very small (typically under £50,000)
- All assets were held jointly (e.g. a joint bank account or shared home with a spouse)
- The estate consists entirely of nominated pension or life insurance benefits that pass outside the will
Even when probate is not legally required, some institutions may still request formal documentation before releasing funds—so it’s always worth seeking legal advice.
How Much Does Probate Cost in the UK?
Understanding the cost of probate is an important step in managing a loved one’s estate.
Many people searching “how much does probate cost UK” are looking for clarity at a time when they’re already dealing with loss.
At Bennett Griffin, we aim to provide clear, transparent guidance tailored to your situation.
The Short Answer:
There is no fixed fee for probate across the UK. The cost can range from £1,500 to over £10,000, depending on the estate’s size, the complexity of the assets, and whether professional legal help is used.
Typical Probate Cost Breakdown
When families ask how much probate costs are in the UK, they often want a clear, honest explanation of the likely expenses involved.
At Bennett Griffin, we provide full transparency from the outset. Here’s how the typical costs of probate are broken down.
- Probate Court Fee
- A flat fee of £300 applies for estates over £5,000
- Additional copies of the Grant of Probate cost £16 each
This fee is paid to the Probate Registry and applies whether you manage probate yourself or use a solicitor.
- Solicitor Fees
Legal fees will vary depending on:
- The complexity of the estate
- The time involved (typically 15–20 hours for a standard case)
- The seniority of the solicitor
- The scope of work (full administration or grant-only)
At Bennett Griffin, we also charge a value element to reflect the legal responsibility involved:
- 0.5% of the value of the deceased’s property
- 1% of the value of the remaining estate
These rates are in line with standard professional practice across the legal industry.
- Disbursements (Third-Party Costs)
Disbursements are necessary expenses paid to third parties during the probate process.
These may include:
| Disbursement Item | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Probate Registry Fee | £300 |
| Additional grant copies | £16 |
| Bankruptcy checks (per beneficiary) | £2 each |
| Statutory notices | £200 – £250 |
| Office copies from the Land Registry | £3 – £20 |
| Asset search or tracing services | £200 – £400 |
| Estate account software/licence | £120 – £200 |
Not all disbursements apply in every case, and we will always confirm which are relevant to your matter.
Total Cost Range
| Estate Complexity | Typical Total Cost |
|---|---|
| Simple estate | £2,000 – £5,000 |
| Moderate estate | £5,000 – £8,000 |
| Complex estate | £8,000 – £16,000+ |
These estimates include court fees, solicitor charges (time + value), and likely disbursements.
Probate Cost Example: Real Case Scenario
To help illustrate how probate costs are calculated, here is a real-world example based on a typical estate we often deal with at Bennett Griffin:
Estate Overview:
- One property, solely owned, valued at £500,000
- Two building society accounts:
- One solely in the deceased’s name (£50,000)
- One joint account with spouse (£50,000)
- Shares in BT and British Gas valued at £50,000
- Sole beneficiary is the deceased’s spouse
- No inheritance tax liability
- The deceased’s son is the executor
- The spouse remains living in the property
- The final salary pension transfers directly to the spouse
The deceased’s son instructs Bennett Griffin to carry out full estate administration.
Scope of Work (by the solicitor):
- Notify banks and institutions of the death
- Obtain valuations for all estate assets
- Prepare and submit probate application
- Collect in the estate assets
- Arrange for the sale of shares and transfer of property
- Distribute the estate to the surviving spouse
- Liaise with financial institutions, transfer funds, and prepare final estate accounts
The son chooses to handle some matters himself, including funeral arrangements and contacting the pension provider.
Time Estimate:
The matter is estimated to take between 15 and 20 hours of solicitor time.
Cost Breakdown:
| Cost Element | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Probate Registry Fee | £300 |
| Solicitor time (20 hrs @ £300) | £6,000 |
| Value element: – 0.5% of home (£500,000) |
£2,500 |
| Value element: – 1% of rest of estate (£100,000) |
£1,000 |
| Disbursements (estimated) | £500 |
| Total Probate cost | ~£10,300 |
Notes:
- The value element is a standard industry practice reflecting the responsibility involved in handling a client’s estate.
- Disbursements may vary depending on the number of beneficiaries and any additional services required.
- The legal costs are payable from the estate, not by the executor personally.
How Long Does Probate Take?
The time it takes to complete probate can vary widely.
For some estates, the process is relatively quick. For others, it can stretch over many months.
In 2025, a combination of high demand and administrative backlogs will mean that even straightforward probate applications may take longer than expected.
Current Probate Registry Timelines
The Probate Registry is currently advising that executors and solicitors should not follow up on applications until at least 16 weeks have passed from the date of submission.
While some grants are issued within 4–6 weeks, many take three to four months or longer, particularly where inheritance tax is involved or information is missing.
| Estate Type | Typical Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Straightforward estate (No IHT, minimal assets) |
3–6 months |
| Moderately complex estate (Multiple assets, IHT thresholds) |
6–9 months |
| Complex estate (Property, IHT, trusts, multiple beneficiaries) |
9–18+ months |
What Can Slow Down Probate?
Some of the most common delays occur due to:
- Missing documents (such as the original will or asset valuations)
- Incomplete or incorrect applications
- Inheritance tax forms requiring additional HMRC clearance
- Overseas property or foreign bank accounts
- Disagreements between beneficiaries
Even simple oversights can result in weeks of delay, which is why many executors choose to appoint a solicitor.
What Can You Do to Speed It Up?
At Bennett Griffin, we help our clients keep things moving by:
- Collecting all necessary information at the outset
- Accurately completing IHT and probate forms
- Submitting applications promptly and professionally
- Liaising directly with HMRC and the Probate Registry on your behalf
- Keeping you updated throughout
Having an experienced solicitor manage probate reduces your risk of avoidable delays and gives you peace of mind during a difficult time.
DIY vs Solicitor-Led Probate Support
One of the first decisions an executor faces is whether to apply for probate themselves (DIY probate) or to instruct a solicitor.
While it’s possible to handle the process without legal help, doing so can carry risk—especially if the estate consists of more than a handful of bank accounts.
Below, we outline the key differences to help you decide which route is right for you.
DIY Probate: When It Might Be Suitable
You may consider dealing with probate yourself if:
- The estate is small and simple (e.g. under £50,000)
- There is only one or two easily accessible assets
- No property needs to be sold or transferred
- There are no debts, trusts, or foreign assets
- There is no inheritance tax liability
- There are no disputes or complex wills
In these cases, completing the required forms and applying directly to the Probate Registry might be manageable with time and care.
However, errors can lead to delays, rejected applications, or legal liability even with smaller estates.
Solicitor-Led Probate: When Professional Support Makes Sense
Most executors choose to instruct a solicitor when:
- The estate includes property, investments, or multiple bank accounts
- There are several beneficiaries, especially with different interests
- The will includes trusts, or the family situation is complex
- Inheritance Tax is due (or near the threshold)
- The estate includes business assets or overseas property
- The will may be contested, or is unclear
- The executor is busy, lives far away, or wants peace of mind
Solicitor support ensures legal compliance, protects executors from personal liability, and often speeds up the process by avoiding common mistakes.
At Bennett Griffin, We Offer Flexible Options
We understand that some clients want full support, while others are happy to manage parts of the process themselves. That’s why we offer:
- Full Estate Administration: We handle everything, from the initial application through to final distribution and estate accounts
- Grant-Only Service: We apply for probate on your behalf, then you continue managing the estate
- Fixed-Fee and Hourly Rates: Transparent quotes and no unexpected costs
We’re here to take as much—or as little—off your shoulders as you need.
Average Cost Of Probate In The UK: A Summary
Probate is rarely straightforward, and understanding the legal, financial, and administrative responsibilities can feel overwhelming—especially at an already difficult time.
In this guide, we’ve covered everything from what probate is and when it’s required to the average cost of probate in the UK, including a detailed breakdown of court fees, legal charges, and third-party disbursements. We’ve explained how complexity, inheritance tax, and estate structure can all affect costs and timescales, and we’ve shown you what to expect, whether you choose to handle probate yourself or instruct a solicitor.
We also shared a real-life example of a typical probate case to illustrate how our fees are calculated and highlighted current timelines based on estate size and Probate Registry delays. Our aim is to give you complete clarity—so you can make informed decisions and feel supported every step of the way.
At Bennett Griffin, we offer a range of flexible probate services tailored to your needs, from fixed-fee Grant applications to full estate administration.
With decades of experience supporting families across West Sussex, we combine technical expertise with practical, compassionate advice.
Call us today on 01903 229999 or 01243 781000 to speak with our team,
Alternatively, you can email info@bennett-griffin.co.uk, or use the enquiry form below.
Our probate solicitors are here to help you navigate the process with confidence, clarity, and care.