Probate costs are made up of court fees, disbursements and professional fees. Here is what each part covers and what actually drives the total.
Cost is usually the first question executors ask, and the honest answer is that it depends on the estate. What we can do is set out clearly what the costs are made up of, so you can see where your money goes and what is fixed regardless of who you instruct.
The court fee
The probate application fee is set by HM Courts and Tribunals Service and is the same whoever applies. It is currently £300 for estates valued above £5,000, with no fee below that. Additional sealed copies of the grant cost £1.50 each, and it is worth ordering several, because each bank or institution will want to see one.
Other disbursements
- Statutory notices in the London Gazette and a local newspaper, which protect executors against unknown claims
- Bankruptcy searches against beneficiaries before money is paid out
- Office copy entries from HM Land Registry where the estate includes property
- Valuation fees for property, land or unusual assets
Professional fees
This is the part that varies. Some firms charge a percentage of the estate, which can produce a very large bill on an estate that is simply a house and a bank account. We prefer to price the work involved rather than the size of the estate, and to tell you the basis of our charges before you commit.
You can also choose how much you want us to do. A grant only service, where we obtain the grant and you deal with the assets, costs considerably less than a full administration where we collect everything in, settle liabilities, prepare estate accounts and distribute.
What makes an estate more expensive
- Inheritance tax being payable, which requires a fuller HMRC account
- Property to sell or transfer
- Assets held abroad
- Business or agricultural interests
- No Will, so entitlement has to be established under the intestacy rules
- Missing beneficiaries, disputes or a claim against the estate
Who pays
Probate costs are paid from the estate, not by the executors personally. Where there is no accessible cash before the grant is issued, most banks will release funds directly to cover the court fee and funeral account.
Getting a figure for your situation
Tell us what the estate consists of and we will explain what needs doing and what it will cost, in writing, before any work begins. Call us or use the contact form and we will come back to you the same day.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much is the probate court fee?
- £300 for estates valued above £5,000, with no fee for estates below that. Additional sealed copies of the grant are £1.50 each.
- Are probate fees paid from the estate?
- Yes. Costs are met from the estate rather than by the executors personally, and most banks will release funds before the grant to cover the court fee and funeral account.
- Is a percentage of the estate a normal way to charge?
- Some firms do charge a percentage, which can be expensive on a simple estate. We prefer to charge for the work actually involved and to confirm the basis in writing before starting.
- Can I just pay for the grant and do the rest myself?
- Yes. A grant only service costs considerably less than a full estate administration and suits executors who are comfortable dealing with the assets themselves.
This article is general information, not legal advice. For advice on your own circumstances, speak to a Solicitor & Director on 07449 567711.
