Probate Fees: What are Probate Costs?

If you have been named as the executor of a will, the first thing you must do is decide whether you need to contact the probate court.

In most cases the probate court will only get involved in the administration of the deceased's estate if the estate contains:

More than £5,000
Has stock and shares
Contains certain types of insurance policies
Has land or property in the deceased's name or as tenants in common where a property is joint-owned with another person

The probate court will not become involved in the estate of a deceased person if their estate contains:

Less than £5,000
Any property was jointly owned with another person as the property will automatically pass to them

Based on the value of the estate you are dealing with, you may have to apply for permission to handle the deceased's affairs. You make an application for this permission to the probate court. They will then issue what is called a Grant of Representation.

Dealing with the deceased's estate will mean you have to pay probate costs. If the estate of the deceased is worth over £5,000 after funeral and debts have been paid, the probate fee will be £90. If you need a new Grant of Representation to be issued after the first one you applied for, this will cost £15. And if you would like additional copies of your Grant of Representation, these will cost £1 per copy.

Other probate costs you may have to pay include a 'sealed and certified copy' of your Grant of Representation if any of the deceased's assets are abroad. The probate cost for this copy is currently £1 per copy that includes the will and your Grant of Representation.

If you need additional copies of your Grant of Representation after your initial copy was issued, the probate costs for these copies is £5 for the first copy, and £1 or any additional copies.

It is a good idea to take some time to think about how many copies of your Grant of Representation you will need to complete your duties as executor of the estate you are dealing with. You can then order all the copies you need at the same time. This will save you time and money. Also, you may be able to obtain a total or partial refund of the fees you would normally have to pay if you cannot afford the probate costs. Ask the probate registry staff for more information.

If you would like to obtain legal advice about the probate court system, Contact Law can put you in touch with a local specialist solicitor free of charge. So, if you have any questions or would like our help in finding local solicitors please call us on 0800 1777 162 or complete the web-form above.