How we charge
We usually provide probate services on a time-recorded basis. We record the time spent administering the estate and provide a full breakdown when we deliver our bill. The hourly rate depends on the solicitor with conduct of your matter and is confirmed to you before we accept your instructions. Our current rate for this work is £250 per hour plus VAT at 20%.
It is not generally possible to fix costs in advance because estates vary so much. We can, however, describe the three stages of work involved and the likely cost of each.
The three stages
1. Gathering information about the estate
We identify the assets and liabilities of the estate by contacting banks, building societies, share registrars, pension providers, insurers, HM Land Registry and government departments, and collate the information for you to confirm. The cost of this stage depends on the number and type of assets. As a guide, budget approximately £500 plus VAT per asset.
2. HMRC and Probate Registry submission
Often called “extracting the grant”. We prepare the inheritance tax account or the information HMRC requires, and the application to the Probate Registry with the legal statement you will sign as executor or administrator. This stage also involves disbursements paid on your behalf (see below).
3. Collecting and distributing the assets
Once the grant has issued we collect the assets, settle liabilities and expenses, prepare a full estate account for your approval and distribute the estate to the beneficiaries in accordance with the will or the intestacy rules.
Typical costs for a straightforward estate
For a simple estate we anticipate between 7 and 15 hours of work at £250 per hour, giving total fees of £1,750 to £3,750 plus VAT at 20% (£2,100 to £4,500 including VAT). If there is one beneficiary and no property, costs will be at the lower end of the range; multiple beneficiaries, a property and several bank accounts will be at the higher end.
This estimate applies where:
- there is a valid will;
- there is no more than one property;
- there are no more than two bank or building society accounts;
- there are no other intangible assets, such as shareholdings;
- there are one or two beneficiaries;
- there are no disputes between beneficiaries about the division of assets;
- there is no inheritance tax payable and the executors do not need to submit a full account to HMRC; and
- there are no claims made against the estate.
Disbursements
Disbursements are costs payable to third parties, which we pay on your behalf and add to our bill. For a straightforward estate they typically include:
| Disbursement | Cost |
|---|---|
| Probate application fee (estates over £5,000; no fee for smaller estates) | £526 |
| Additional sealed copies of the grant | £2 each when ordered with the application (usually one per asset); £16 each afterwards |
| Bankruptcy-only Land Charges Department search | £2 per beneficiary |
| Notice in The London Gazette (protects against unknown creditors) | approximately £100 plus VAT |
| Notice in a local newspaper | approximately £150 to £250 plus VAT |
Court and Land Charges fees do not attract VAT. Where the actual cost of a disbursement is not known in advance we will tell you the likely range.
Potential additional costs
- If there is no will, or the estate includes shareholdings, additional work is likely and costs can vary significantly. We will give you a more accurate estimate once we know more about the estate.
- If inheritance tax is payable, or a full account must be submitted to HMRC, the additional work is charged at our hourly rate.
- Dealing with the sale or transfer of any property in the estate is not included and is quoted for separately.
- Disputes between beneficiaries, or claims against the estate, will increase costs and we will advise you as soon as any arise.
How long will it take?
On average, estates within this range are dealt with in 12 to 24 months from start to finish, depending largely on how quickly third parties respond. Obtaining the grant of probate typically takes around 16 weeks from submission to the Probate Registry. Collecting the assets then takes between 10 and 20 weeks, and distribution normally follows within 2 to 4 weeks of the estate account being approved.
Who will do the work
Our probate work is carried out by the private client team at our Woodford Green office. Salma Butt, Senior Associate Solicitor (admitted 2000) and a full member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), leads the team and supervises all estate administration. Stephen Thirsk, Partner (admitted 1970), also advises on probate matters.
Related information
- Probate — the service in more detail
- Will writing
- Lasting powers of attorney
Last reviewed 23 September 2026. This information is published in accordance with the SRA Transparency Rules. Every matter is different: the figures on this page are a guide to typical costs, and we will always confirm a written estimate before work begins.