Costs and fees
The Truth About Fixed Price Probate
If you have been searching for probate help, you will have noticed a wave of providers advertising “fixed price probate.” It sounds simple and reassuring. But the reality is often more complicated than the marketing suggests. This article looks at what fixed price probate actually means, where the hidden costs tend to appear, and why a DIY approach with the right support frequently makes more financial sense.
Why does “fixed price” probate exist?
Traditionally, solicitors charged by the hour for probate, or took a percentage of the estate value, sometimes 1 to 4% or more. On a £400,000 estate, 2% is £8,000. As more families became aware of how much they were being charged for what is fundamentally an administrative process, pressure grew for more transparent pricing.
“Fixed price” probate emerged as a response. The problem is that “fixed price” is rarely as fixed as it sounds.
What the advertised price often does not include
Most fixed price probate services quote a base fee for a straightforward estate. Once you engage with the firm, the price adjusts based on a long list of variables:
- Whether the estate includes property (almost always an additional charge)
- Whether Inheritance Tax forms are required (often treated as an add-on)
- Whether the deceased died without a will
- Whether there are multiple beneficiaries or disputed claims
- Whether any assets require specialist valuations
Many providers advertise a headline figure of £500 to £800 but routinely issue final invoices in the range of £1,500 to £5,000 once the estate has been assessed. Always ask for a binding quote in writing before committing.
Do you even need a professional probate service?
For most estates in England and Wales, the honest answer is no. Probate is a structured administrative process, not one requiring specialist qualifications. The forms and calculations are defined by HMRC and the Probate Registry. What they require is accuracy and thoroughness, not a legal qualification.
Some estates genuinely warrant professional help: contested claims, complex trust arrangements, business assets with specialist relief implications, overseas assets. For these situations, a specialist probate solicitor is worth the cost. But for the great majority of people, a more affordable option is available.
What makes YouCanDoProbate different
YouCanDoProbate charges a single fixed fee of £499 inc. VAT. That is genuinely fixed. There are no add-ons for having a property in the estate, no extra charge for IHT forms, and no percentage of estate value taken. The fee covers the complete PA1P or PA1A application form, the full IHT400 return, every supplementary schedule, all exemption calculations, and unlimited support from our UK-based team.
The only costs on top are the government fees: £526 to the Probate Registry and £2 per official copy of the Grant you need.
The easy and affordable way to apply for probate
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I was very impressed and encouraged with how easy it was to use this service; a welcome change at a time when it is difficult to process the loss of a loved one, and all the legalities that involves, I was given reassurance and confidence that I can, and did do probate. The process was made easier and less stressful knowing I could ask for help as and when I got stuck. Tom was very supportive and encouraging (and patient). The steps ensured that I could check each stage and return at any time to change or amend anything. Also thanks to those who answered the phone and reassured me that my messages would be passed on. A very positive experience and I have already recommended this service to others in a similar position to me. An excellent service. Mary Mc
Very straightforward process which explained everything required to fill out the form. This coupled with excellent back up with regard to speaking to somebody if clarification was required & explained in simple terms. Very recommended and good value for money.
Fantastic service..best £399 ever spent. I had quotes for over £5000 from solicitors I sent off my probate form on the 28th Oct 2024 (hard copy) I received an email on the 18th November 2024 letting me know that they had received my applications. I have just received my email 30/11/24, that my probate application has been granted… Just under a month all done. I was holding off doing this job for months as I was struggling to find a solicitors that I liked.. I am so happy I came across this company.. Honestly if I can do it so can anyone!!!
This platform is amazing! My case was a difficult one as I had to do two probates at the same time. Easy to understand and use and the communication if I became unsure was second to none! Extremely prompt and professional, thank you to the team for making a difficult time a little easier
A very professional company and service, so easy to use from start to finish, but always available to answer any questions quickly, no matter how trivial, saved so much money compared to traditional solicitor. Highly recommend.
You can do probate is an excellent website, you can ring, email them and they answered my questions when I was not sure of the questions, we applied for probate in April and was granted second week in July. Thanks to everyone at You can do Probate. Use this site and you can save thousands of pounds.
I found the platform very helpful. I was especially impressed with the help desk capability – very timely and helpful.
Very straightforward and intuitive system with excellent support. A most cost effective solution. We obtained probate within 12 weeks!
The form was quite easy to follow. But the support from the staff was fantastic and very helpful.
I found the whole process quite simple, the forms were easy to complete and straight forward to fill in.
From my first call to YouCanDoProbate I felt confident in the help I would receive throughout the process of applying for grant of probate for my mum’s estate. The HMRC forms are not complicated but having access to support and having confirmation that no tax is due and that you have declared everything correctly, is very reassuring. It is worth the money for peace of mind and cost much less than hiring a solicitor
The system was very user friendly, and easy to use. The case was not straight forward and when needed, the telephone support was superb. Will definitely use again. Highly recommended.
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