A straightforward, uncontested probate matter typically costs between £2,500 and £4,000 plus VAT. A grant of probate only, without full estate administration, is a fixed fee of £695 plus VAT.
Probate Pricing
How much does probate cost with Clowes & Co?
A straightforward, uncontested probate matter typically costs between £2,500 and £4,000 plus VAT. If you only need a grant of probate, without full estate administration, this is a fixed fee of £695 plus VAT. Every quote is agreed with you upfront, and we will always tell you before any cost changes.
Prices last reviewed: July 2026How much does probate cost?
Our probate fees are either a fixed fee agreed at the start of your case, or based on the time it takes to deal with your matter. On average, a straightforward, uncontested probate matter takes between 10 and 15 hours of work, which means typical costs sit between £2,500 and £4,000 plus VAT.
Our standard hourly rates are:
- Senior solicitors and legal executives with 8+ years PQE: £288.00
- Solicitors and legal executives with 4+ years PQE: £242.00
- Other solicitors and legal executives: £200.00
- Trainee solicitors, paralegals and other fee earners: £142.00
How straightforward or complicated the case is, and what assets are involved, affects the final cost. If someone has died leaving only one beneficiary in an undisputed will and no property, costs sit toward the lower end of this range. If there are multiple beneficiaries, a property and multiple bank accounts, costs sit toward the higher end, even where the will is not disputed.
What if I only need a grant of probate, not full administration?
If you only need us to apply for the grant of probate or letters of administration, and you will handle the rest of the estate administration yourself, we charge a fixed fee:
- Application for a grant of probate or letters of administration: £695 plus VAT
- Completing a full inheritance tax return and arranging payment of inheritance tax to HMRC (where required), an additional fee: £450 plus VAT
How does the size and complexity of the estate affect the cost?
| Service | What's covered | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Grant only | Applying for the grant of probate or letters of administration only | £695 plus VAT (plus £450 plus VAT if an inheritance tax return is needed) |
| Full administration, straightforward estate | Collecting assets, paying debts, distributing the estate, no inheritance tax to pay | £2,500 to £4,000 plus VAT |
| Complex estate | Multiple properties, inheritance tax, disputes between beneficiaries, or assets abroad | Bespoke quote, tailored to your matter |
What disbursements will I need to pay during probate?
Disbursements are payments made to third parties on your behalf, for example the application fee for the grant of probate. They are separate from our professional fees and are paid in addition to them. In a typical probate matter, the estate will need to pay:
- Probate application fee, currently £526, plus £2 for every extra office copy of the grant of probate you require, or £16 if requested after your application has been submitted
- Land Registry search fee of £4.20
- Fee for a legal notice in The London Gazette and the local paper, which helps protect against unexpected claims from unknown creditors, usually around £330
What isn't included in the probate cost estimate?
- A member of our staff acting as an executor of the estate
- Any additional costs of disposing of estate assets, such as the costs of selling a property
How long does probate take?
A typical straightforward probate matter can normally be dealt with within 6 to 8 months:
- Assessing the estate and applying for the grant of probate: 6 to 8 weeks
- Notifying asset holders and placing legal notices: 8 weeks
- Distributing the assets: 8 weeks
- Preparing and finalising the estate accounts: 8 weeks
What work is included in the price?
Getting started
- Identifying the executors and beneficiaries
- Communicating with and advising the executors, and communicating with the beneficiaries and other parties, throughout
- Checking the type of probate application you require
- Obtaining the relevant documents required to make the application
Making the application
- Completing the probate application and any forms required by HM Revenue & Customs
- Drafting the legal oath which the executors will need to swear
- Making the application for the grant of probate
- Obtaining the grant of probate and distributing copies as necessary
After the grant
- Collecting and distributing the assets of the estate
- Preparing the final estate accounts and obtaining approval from executors and beneficiaries
Who will handle my probate matter?
Your probate matter will be handled by a trusted member of our experienced probate team, which includes STEP qualified lawyers as well as experienced paralegals. Once we know who will be handling your case, we will introduce you to them and provide full details of their background and qualifications. Whoever works on your case, the matter will be supervised by one of our partners.
