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.
