Home › Guides › Probate Cost Calculator

Probate Cost Calculator UK 2026

Enter the estate value below to instantly see what a solicitor would charge versus ClearLegacy (from £195) — and how much you could save.

Estate value (approximate)
Include property, savings, investments and other assets
Solicitor rate
Solicitor cost
£7,273
Professional fee + court fee + disbursements
ClearLegacy fixed fee
£195
+ £273 court fee + disbursements
Your estimated saving with ClearLegacy
£6,805
Start from £195 →
Cost itemSolicitorClearLegacy
Professional fee£7,000£195
HMCTS court fee£273£273
Certified copies (x5)£8£8
Total estimate£7,281£476

How Much Does Probate Cost in the UK? (2026)

Probate costs in the UK depend on three factors: the estate value, how you apply, and whether you use a solicitor. There is no single “probate fee” — the total is made up of court fees, professional fees, and disbursements.

Probate Court Fees 2026

The HMCTS probate application fee is £273 for estates valued over £5,000. Estates worth £5,000 or less pay no court fee. This is a flat fee regardless of estate size. Certified copies of the Grant of Probate cost £1.50 each — you will typically need 4–6 copies for banks, property sales, and investment providers.

Solicitor Probate Fees

Most solicitors charge between 1% and 4% of the gross estate value, plus VAT. On an average UK estate of £350,000, that means professional fees of £3,500 to £14,000 before VAT. Some solicitors offer fixed fees for simpler estates, but these typically start at £2,000–£3,000.

DIY Probate Cost

If you apply for probate yourself through gov.uk, your only mandatory cost is the £273 court fee plus certified copies. However, the HMRC inheritance tax forms (IHT205 or IHT400) can be complex. Errors can lead to penalties, delays, or personal liability for the executor.

ClearLegacy: From £195

ClearLegacy offers professional probate guidance from just £195, regardless of estate value. This covers IHT form preparation, the probate application, and case management through to Grant. The court fee (£273) is paid separately at cost. No percentage fees, no hourly billing, no surprises.

Why Do Solicitors Charge a Percentage?

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 ClearLegacy 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

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. ClearLegacy provides professional oversight from just £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 ClearLegacy's probate fee?
Starting from £195, the 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 ClearLegacy charges?
No. ClearLegacy charges from £195 regardless of estate value — no percentage of the estate. Whether the estate is £100,000 or £2,000,000, you won’t pay a percentage-based fee. 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.
How much are probate fees in the UK in 2026?
The probate court fee is £273 for estates over £5,000. On top of this, solicitors typically charge 1–4% of the estate value. For a £350,000 estate, total probate costs with a solicitor can range from £3,773 to £14,273. ClearLegacy offers probate from £195 plus the £273 court fee.
Can I avoid paying solicitor probate fees?
Yes. There is no legal requirement to use a solicitor for probate in England and Wales. You can apply yourself for £273, or use a specialist service like ClearLegacy from £195 plus the court fee. This saves thousands compared to solicitor percentage-based billing.

Fixed Fee Probate from £195

No percentage. No hourly billing. No surprises. Expert case managers handle everything.

Start Probate → Read the Full Guide