Percentage fees, hourly rates, fixed fees, and online services — what each model means in practice, typical fee ranges, and how to avoid paying more than you need to.
This guide is part of ProbateHelp's Probate Process guide cluster. Estimated reading time: 14 min.
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Frequently asked questions
Who pays the probate fees — me personally or the estate?
Probate fees are paid from the estate, not from your own pocket. The Probate Registry application fee is £526 for an estate worth more than £5,000. Most solicitors and online services will either defer their fees until after the grant is obtained, or allow you to pay from estate funds once accounts are accessible. If you need to pay upfront and do not have access to estate funds, a probate loan can bridge the gap — these are short-term loans secured against the estate, repaid when assets are released.
Can I negotiate probate fees?
Yes, particularly with traditional solicitors. Percentage fees are especially negotiable — if a firm quotes 2% on a straightforward £400,000 estate, there is no reason not to ask whether they will do it for a fixed fee instead. Many will. Online services tend to have less flexibility, but it is always worth asking. The most effective negotiating tool is a competing quote from another firm.
What is the difference between grant-only and full estate administration?
Grant-only means the solicitor or service handles just the probate application — obtaining the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration from the Probate Registry. You then take responsibility for everything else: collecting assets, paying debts, and distributing to beneficiaries. Full estate administration means the professional handles the entire process from start to finish. Grant-only is significantly cheaper and is suitable if you are comfortable managing the administration yourself once you have the grant.
Do I have to use a solicitor for probate?
No. There is no legal requirement to use a solicitor for probate in England and Wales. You can apply directly to the Probate Registry yourself using form PA1P (if there is a will) or PA1A (if there is no will). Many executors manage the process without professional help. The question is whether the estate is straightforward enough that doing so is low-risk.
How long does probate take, and does using a solicitor speed it up?
GOV.UK says you will usually get the grant of probate or letters of administration within 12 weeks of submitting your application. Using a solicitor does not speed up the legal process — it reduces the number of hours you personally spend on it. The full estate administration timeline depends on asset collection, debts, tax, property sales, and whether any disputes arise.
Are probate fees tax-deductible?
Solicitor and professional fees for obtaining the grant of probate and administering the estate are deductible expenses for inheritance tax purposes — they reduce the net value of the estate on which IHT is calculated. They are not deductible for income tax purposes. Keep all receipts and invoices as they may be needed for IHT400 reporting or to support the estate values confirmed in the probate application.