Vincent Oakley: Probate

Fee Structure

Our charges for our professional time for probate work are calculated by multiplying the hourly rate for the lawyer doing the work by the number of hours worked. We apply the Solicitors Guideline Hourly Rates specified by High Court prevailing on the date the work was done. In 2025 these rate range from £139 per hour to £282 per hour depending upon the experience of the person doing the work. The hourly rates change on the first day of January each year. The current rates can be viewed on the gov.uk website:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/solicitors-guideline-hourly-rates

This calculation usually results in costs for our professional time in the region of 2.5% to 5% of the value of all assets.

In cases where we are appointed as executors our fees are a percentage of the value of the estate and can be viewed by clicking on the Probate Fees link in the right hand panel.

In addition to our fees for our professional time various fees have to be paid to external organisations - for example: probate court fees (typically £316.00), statutory notice (typically up to £250). There will also be payments to external organisations such as: estate agents, valuers, auctioneers, house clearance agents and conveyancing solicitors. We do not undertake any conveyancing work.

The circumstances of each case are unique and we will provide a bespoke estimate based on the particular circumstances of the case on request.