Frequently asked questions
You will usually receive the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration within 16 weeks of application. The amount of time it takes will depend on the size and complexity of the estate, how many properties are involved and how many beneficiaries there are.
As of May 2024, the application fee in England and Wales increased from £273 to a flat £300 for estates valued at over £5,000. Estates worth £5,000 or less remain exempt from this fee. Official extra copies of the Grant of Probate continue to cost £1.50 each, and a second application (for example, when applying with "power reserved") costs £21, even if the estate falls below the £5,000 threshold.
For a detailed breakdown, including solicitor fees, disbursements, and what affects overall probate expenses, read our full guide on how much probate costs.
When choosing a solicitor, you want someone who is experienced with this area of the law, knows the process and can advise you on how to proceed in the best way for you and your family. Our probate solicitors are experienced, regulated by the SRA and have lots of great reviews.
If there’s no Will, you’ll need to apply for Letters of Administration. Our solicitors can help you complete the application and manage the estate according to intestacy rules.
There are some situations in which you may not need one. If the property and accounts were all joint accounts, with the other person still living, everything would transfer to them. If the estate is made up of cash and belongings, and the cash amounts to under £5000, some banks and building societies may release it without a Grant of Probate.
