Probate Fees Calculator
Estimated Probate Costs
Probate Application Fee-
Professional Fees (ex VAT)-
VAT on Professional Fees-
Valuations & Disbursements-
Total Estimated Probate Cost-
Probate Fee Comparison 2025/26
| Provider | Simple Estate | Standard | Complex |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY (application only) | £300 | £300 | £300 |
| Solicitor (full service) | £2,000-£4,000 | £4,000-£8,000 | £8,000-£15,000+ |
| Bank/Trust Company | £3,000-£6,000 | £6,000-£12,000 | £12,000-£25,000+ |
| Online Probate Service | £1,000-£2,500 | £2,500-£5,000 | £5,000-£10,000 |
Fees exclude VAT and disbursements. Some solicitors charge a percentage of estate value (typically 1-4%).
Key Probate Costs
Application Fee
£300
Extra Copies
£1.50 each
Property Valuation
£150-£500
IHT400 Preparation
£500-£2k
Asset Tracing
£200-£500
Statutory Notices
£200-£300
How to Use This Calculator
1
Enter the gross estate value
Include the total value of all assets before debts — property, savings, investments, personal effects.
2
Select estate complexity
Simple estates have few assets; complex estates may include businesses, trusts or overseas assets.
3
Choose who handles probate
DIY costs only the application fee; solicitors and banks charge professional fees on top.
4
Indicate IHT status
If the estate exceeds the nil rate band (325,000 pounds), an IHT400 return is likely needed.
5
Review the total cost
See the full breakdown of application fees, professional fees, VAT and disbursements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does probate cost in the UK?
The probate application fee is 300 pounds for estates over 5,000 pounds (free for smaller estates). If using a solicitor for full probate administration, expect to pay 2,000-15,000 pounds depending on complexity, plus VAT. Banks and trust companies typically charge 1-4% of the estate value, which can be very expensive for large estates.
Do I need a solicitor for probate?
You are not legally required to use a solicitor. Many people successfully apply for probate themselves using the government online service. However, a solicitor is advisable for complex estates involving businesses, trusts, overseas assets, potential IHT liability, or where there are disputes among beneficiaries.
How long does probate take?
The probate application typically takes 8-16 weeks to process. The full estate administration — collecting assets, paying debts, distributing to beneficiaries — usually takes 6-12 months for simple estates and 1-2 years for complex ones. IHT must be paid within 6 months of death to avoid interest charges.
What is the difference between probate and letters of administration?
Probate (Grant of Probate) is issued when the deceased left a valid will and named executors. Letters of Administration are issued when there is no will (intestacy) or no willing/able executors. The application process and fee are the same. Letters of Administration follow the intestacy rules for distribution.
Can I do probate online?
Yes, you can apply for probate online through GOV.UK. The online service guides you through the process and is generally faster than paper applications. You will need the death certificate, the original will (if there is one), details of the estate, and the IHT form. The online fee is the same as the paper fee.
When is probate not required?
Probate is not required if the estate consists entirely of jointly held assets that pass by survivorship, assets under 5,000 pounds held by a single institution, or assets held in trust. Most banks and building societies will release funds up to 5,000-50,000 pounds without probate, depending on their policies.
Official Sources & References
Data verified against official UK government sources. Last checked April 2026.