Historically, solicitors justified percentage-based fees by taking on personal liability for the estate administration. In practice, for straightforward estates this rarely translates into additional work. A 2% fee on a £500,000 estate is £10,000 — for work that might take 20–30 hours.
There is no regulatory requirement to use a solicitor for probate in England and Wales. The application can be made directly by the executor, or through a specialist service like Clear Legacy at a fixed fee.
What Does the Court Fee Cover?
The HMCTS probate court fee of £273 is a flat charge payable to the court when applying for a Grant of Probate. It is the same regardless of estate size (for estates over £5,000). Estates worth £5,000 or less pay no court fee.
Hidden Costs to Watch For
Certified copies of the Grant — £1.50 each; you typically need 4–6
Bankruptcy searches — £2 per beneficiary (recommended before distributing)
Section 27 Trustee Act notice — £150–£300 if using a solicitor (protects executors)
IHT penalties — if HMRC forms are completed incorrectly
Hourly overruns — some solicitors switch to hourly billing if complexity increases
Frequently Asked Questions
Is probate always required?
Not always. Probate is typically required when the deceased owned property in their sole name, or when financial institutions (banks, investment platforms) require it before releasing funds. Joint assets passing by survivorship, and assets held in trust, usually don't require probate. Our guide when is probate required covers this in detail.
Can I do probate myself without a solicitor?
Yes. You can apply for probate yourself via gov.uk. The main cost is the £273 court fee. However, HMRC IHT forms are complex, and errors can result in penalties and significant delays. Clear Legacy provides professional oversight at a fixed £195 — far less than a solicitor, with expert guidance throughout.
How long does probate take?
Simple estates with no IHT liability typically take 3–6 months. Complex estates with property, business interests or disputes can take 12–24 months. The application itself takes 8–16 weeks at HMCTS currently. See our probate timeline guide for a full breakdown.
What is included in Clear Legacy's £195 fee?
The £195 fee covers professional guidance through the full probate application, including HMRC IHT form preparation, the probate application itself, and case management from start to Grant. The HMCTS court fee (£273) and disbursements are paid separately and at cost.
Does estate size affect what Clear Legacy charges?
No. Clear Legacy charges a fixed £195 regardless of estate value. Whether the estate is £100,000 or £2,000,000, the fee is the same. This is unlike solicitors who typically charge 1–4% of the estate — meaning a £2m estate could cost £20,000–£80,000 in professional fees alone.
Fixed Fee Probate from £195
No percentage. No hourly billing. No surprises. Expert case managers handle everything.