Wills and Probate Solicitors

Yes, you can draft a will yourself, but it’s risky. Mistakes can lead to your DIY will being invalidated. We recommend having a solicitor draft or review it to ensure it’s valid, especially if your will has multiple beneficiaries or complex assets.

Prices start at £250 + VAT for a straightforward will, with higher tiers (£325–£450+) for more complex ones. Each level covers set services: consultation, drafting, witnessing, and free storage.

Registering a will isn’t a legal requirement, but we strongly advise registering your will on the National Will Register to ensure it’s found when needed.

Witnesses must be adults without any personal interest. Family members or beneficiaries can’t act as witnesses—choose a neutral adult like a friend or neighbour.

Spouses, children, cohabitees, personal dependents, named beneficiaries, or anyone with a financial interest in the estate can challenge a will.

1. Invalid execution (improper witnessing).
2. The testator lacked mental capacity.
3. Fraud (i.e. forged signature).
4. Undue influence or coercion

You can enter a “caveat” at the Probate Registry to block issuance of probate for six months (extendable) while your challenge is considered.

Probate is the process of confirming who is legally allowed to manage a deceased person’s estate. It’s usually the executor named in the will or, if absent, someone under intestacy rules.

Having a will doesn’t always mean you need probate. It’s required if the estate exceeds £5,000 or institutions demand it—even with a valid will.

Check out our informative guide for more information.

Typically, probate is required for estates over £5,000. However, each bank or institution sets its limit, so check with them too.

Services may include registering the death, gathering assets, paying debts and taxes, applying for a grant of probate, preparing estate accounts, and distributing the assets.

It’s the legal process for resolving disputes about wills or estate administration, such as will validity concerns, unfair asset distribution, or executor issues.

• Value the estate and list all assets.
• Complete the probate application form (PA1P) and sign a statement of truth.
• Fill inheritance tax forms, including gifts made in the last seven years.
• Pay the probate fee (£215, or £155 via a solicitor) plus optional extra copies.
• Pay any inheritance tax if due (a 10% deposit required, the rest may be in instalments).

The HM Courts charge £215 to apply (under £5,000 estates are usually exempt). If you apply via a solicitor, the fee is £155. Each additional copy of the grant costs £1.50.

You’ll need the original will and codicils, two plain‑paper copies of the will, the death certificate, and the appropriate inheritance tax forms.

Timeframes are case‑by‑case, but expect several weeks to months, depending on estate complexity and tax clearance timing. Seeking legal help can help speed things up.

Solicitor fees for probate vary. You may pay hourly rates (£160–£400/hr), and average around £250–£280. Total costs often amount to 1–5% of the estate value plus VAT.