Steps involved:
1. Obtain details of all estate assets and liabilities for which the grant will be needed;
2. Complete all paperwork to submit to HM Revenue and Customs for inheritance tax purposes
3. Complete application for grant and send to Probate Registry
4. Obtain grant and collect in the estate
5. Settle outstanding liabilities and administration expenses, including any tax due
6. Take steps to distribute the estate to the beneficiaries entitled to receive it.
These are the basic steps and estates can often be more complicated. In fact, there is no such thing as a ‘typical probate case’. Every estate is different and there are a whole host of variables which need to be taken into account in giving you a cost estimate.
Every estate is different. The work required and the cost will depend on the assets, liabilities, beneficiaries, tax position and any legal or practical complications.
Typically involving one beneficiary, one or two bank accounts and no property.
Typically involving several beneficiaries, mixed assets, a small number of electronically held shares, bank accounts and one residential property.
These figures are illustrations based on the assumptions below. Once we have details of the estate’s likely assets, liabilities and circumstances, we will provide a more detailed estimate and explain any available charging options.
Probate Registry fees and other third-party disbursements are additional to the legal-fee totals shown above.
Every estate is different. The work required and the time it takes will depend on the assets, liabilities, beneficiaries, tax position and any legal or practical complications.
Once we understand the circumstances, we will explain what needs to be done, agree the work you would like Wollens to handle and provide a clear written estimate.
Prices and disbursements reviewed: June 2026The example estimates assume that:
If any of these assumptions do not apply or the circumstances change, we may need to revise the scope of work, expected timescale and fee estimate.
Disbursements are third-party expenses paid on behalf of the estate and are separate from Wollens’ legal fees.
| Expense | Indicative amount |
|---|---|
| Probate Registry application | £300, no VAT |
| Additional copies of the Grant | £16 per copy, no VAT |
| Bankruptcy searches | £3.60 including VAT per beneficiary |
| Statutory claims notices | Approximately £300–£400 including VAT |
| Land Registry documents | Approximately £50 |
These figures are indicative and should be confirmed before publication and reviewed regularly. We will confirm the disbursements likely to apply to the estate.
The illustrative fee estimates do not include advice or work relating to:
If additional work is required, we will explain it and provide a separate estimate before proceeding.
The time required depends on the estate’s assets, tax position, number of beneficiaries and whether any property, business interests, overseas assets or disputes are involved.
A straightforward estate involving one executor, one beneficiary and only a small number of assets may take approximately three to four months.
Estates involving additional assets, beneficiaries, tax work, property, businesses or other complications can take a year or longer.
In a suitable simple estate, we may be able to prepare and submit the application for the Grant within approximately two months of receiving instructions and all the necessary information. This is not an estimate of how long the Probate Registry will take to issue the Grant.
The most complex estates may take several years, particularly where property must be sold, businesses wound up, tax matters resolved or disputes addressed.
Once we understand the estate, we will provide an estimated timescale and keep you informed if the circumstances affect it.