What is a grant of probate?
A grant of probate is a court-issued document that confirms the executors named in a will have the legal authority to administer the deceased person's estate. Banks, building societies, share registrars, pension providers and the Land Registry will usually ask to see the grant before releasing funds or transferring property.
If the deceased did not leave a will, the equivalent document is called letters of administration, and the person who applies is the administrator rather than the executor. The process and powers are very similar.
When is a grant of probate needed?
Not every estate needs probate. Whether you need it depends on what the deceased owned and how it was held.
- Property held in the deceased's sole name — almost always needs probate
- Bank or investment accounts above each provider's threshold (typically £5,000–£50,000)
- Shares, premium bonds, or business interests held in the sole name of the deceased
- Assets held as joint tenants pass automatically to the survivor — no grant needed
- Small estates under £5,000 with no property can often be handled without probate
How much does probate cost?
The Probate Registry application fee is £300 for estates over £5,000 (2026). Estates under £5,000 pay no fee. You can buy extra sealed copies of the grant for £1.50 each — most estates need 4 to 6 copies.
On top of the court fee, you may have professional costs. DIY probate is free but time-consuming and carries personal liability if you get it wrong. Fixed-fee probate services in the UK typically range from £1,500 to £6,000, while solicitors charging on a percentage basis can take 1.5%–5% of the estate value — often £10,000+ on a modest home.
At High Net Estate Planning we offer a fixed-fee grant of probate application and a complete probate administration service so you know the cost from day one.
How long does probate take in 2026?
Current Probate Registry processing times are 8–16 weeks from a complete digital application. Paper applications take longer.
Before you can apply, you need to value the estate and submit any inheritance tax forms (IHT205 / IHT400). For straightforward estates with no IHT to pay, expect 3–6 months from death to grant. For taxable estates or those with foreign assets, 9–12 months is normal.
How to apply for a grant of probate
There are five practical steps:
- Locate the original will and the death certificate
- Value the estate — property, bank accounts, investments, possessions, debts
- Complete the relevant inheritance tax forms and pay any IHT due (or arrange instalments on property)
- Submit the probate application online at gov.uk and pay the court fee
- Once the grant arrives, collect the assets, settle debts, and distribute according to the will
