Probate · 8 min read · Published · Updated
How Much Does Probate Cost in 2026/27? A Clear Breakdown of Fees
From the £526 court fee to solicitor charges: a plain breakdown of what probate costs in 2026/27, and how to keep the cost down.
By Aaron Johnson, Consultant Solicitor and TEP, a solicitor in Bridlington who writes every guide himself.
Guides · Probate · No. 18 of 21Reviewed · 8 minutes
The Two Types of Probate Cost
When people ask about probate costs they usually mean two different things: the fixed court fee paid to HM Courts and Tribunals Service, and the professional fees charged if you instruct a solicitor or other probate practitioner.
Knowing the difference helps you decide how to approach the estate.
Court Fees
The probate application fee in England and Wales is £526 for any estate worth more than £5,000. It rose from £300 on 13 July 2026. An estate worth £5,000 or less pays no fee. Above £5,000 the fee is the same whatever the estate is worth, whether £10,000 or £10 million.
Extra certified copies of the grant cost £2 each if you order them with the application, or £16 each afterwards. (From 17 November 2025 to 12 July 2026 every copy cost £16, up from £1.50.) Order enough at the start. Banks, building societies, pension providers and other institutions usually each want their own copy before releasing funds.
If probate has already been granted and you need to apply again for the same estate (for example, because more assets come to light), the fee is £22.
If you cannot afford the court fee, the "Help with Fees" scheme may reduce or waive it for applicants on a low income or certain benefits.
Professional Fees
Solicitors and other probate practitioners usually charge in one of three ways:
Fixed fees. Some firms charge a fixed fee for the whole process or for a stage of it, such as obtaining the grant only. Aaron works this way. The grant only, the grant with a full inheritance tax account, full administration, and full administration where there is a property, a full tax account or no will are each priced on their own. He publishes every fee, with VAT, on the fees page.
Hourly rates. Other firms charge by the hour. The rate depends on the seniority of the person doing the work, and you do not know the final bill until the end.
Percentage of the estate. Some firms charge a percentage of the gross value of the estate, sometimes on top of hourly rates. On a £500,000 estate, a 2% charge would be £10,000 plus VAT. Aaron does not charge a percentage.
Under the SRA's transparency rules, regulated firms must publish their probate fees on their website, including what is covered, the likely disbursements (costs paid to others) and timescales. This makes it easier to compare before you instruct anyone.
Other Costs to Consider
Beyond the court fee and professional fees, other costs may arise:
- Valuation fees for property, antiques, jewellery or other specialist assets
- Statutory notices in The Gazette and a local newspaper, which protect the executor from unknown creditors
- Land Registry fees if property is transferred
- Conveyancing costs if property is sold
- Inheritance tax (not a probate cost as such, but often the largest sum)
- Tracing fees if beneficiaries have to be found
DIY Probate vs Professional Help
| DIY Probate | Using a Solicitor | |
|---|---|---|
| Lower cost up front (court fee only) | Professional fees, fixed or hourly depending on the firm | |
| You handle all the paperwork and deadlines | The solicitor handles the administration | |
| Mistakes can cause delay and personal liability | Less risk of costly mistakes | |
| Takes time, often many months | Often quicker in experienced hands | |
| No professional indemnity insurance | Covered by professional indemnity insurance |
How Probate Costs Are Paid
Most probate costs are paid from the estate, not by the executor personally. But there is a practical problem: the estate's bank accounts are usually frozen until the grant is issued, so the executor may have to pay some costs up front, in particular the court fee and any inheritance tax due before the grant.
Some banks will release money for probate costs and funeral expenses before the grant. Under the Direct Payment Scheme, banks can also pay inheritance tax straight to HMRC from the deceased's account.
Once the grant is issued and the estate's money can be reached, the executor can repay themselves for legitimate expenses.
Keeping Costs Down
If the estate is simple (a modest estate, a clear will, no inheritance tax and beneficiaries who get on), doing probate yourself can save a good deal in professional fees. HM Courts and Tribunals Service provides guidance and an online application for people applying in person.
For a more complex estate, instructing a solicitor early can save money overall, by avoiding costly mistakes, getting the tax right, and heading off disputes before they grow.
Aaron publishes his fees and confirms the cost in writing before any work starts, as the SRA's rules require.
This guide is general information, not legal advice.
Written by Aaron Johnson, Consultant Solicitor and TEP · Law of England and Wales as at 11 June 2026 · Ends