Best Probate Providers in the UK: Compare Services, Fees & Expertise (2026)
By Clare Townhill • Updated 18 February 2026
Disclaimer: Prices and ratings correct at time of writing.
Probate is the legal process of dealing with someone’s estate after they die. For some estates, it is relatively straightforward and can be handled without professional help.
For others, particularly where there is property, inheritance tax or complexity, probate can be time-consuming, difficult to manage and may require professional support.
This guide explains what probate is, when professional support may be useful, what probate typically costs, and how different types of probate services compare in the UK.
What is probate?
Probate is the process of obtaining legal authority to deal with a deceased person’s estate (their money, property and possessions).
- If there is a will, the executor applies for a Grant of Probate.
- If there is no will, an administrator applies for Letters of Administration.
Not all estates need probate. For example, probate is often not required where assets are jointly owned and pass automatically to a surviving spouse or civil partner.
Official guidance on when probate is required and how to apply is available from GOV.UK.
A note on Scotland
This guide focuses on the probate process in England and Wales. In Scotland, the legal process is different and is known as confirmation, not probate.
Key differences include:
- The document issued is called a Grant of Confirmation.
- The process is overseen by the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service.
- Fees, forms and legal terminology differ from England and Wales.
- Scottish succession law follows different rules.
If the person who has died lived in Scotland, or owned property there, you should follow Scottish-specific guidance or seek advice from a provider experienced in Scottish estates.
Official guidance is available from the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service .
Can I do probate myself?
Yes. Many estates can be managed without professional help.
According to MoneySavingExpert:
- DIY probate can save thousands of pounds for simple estates.
- The probate application fee in England and Wales is often quoted as £300 (check the current GOV.UK fee before publishing).
- Online applications are usually quicker than paper forms.
However, DIY probate becomes more difficult when:
- Inheritance Tax (IHT) is due.
- There is property to sell.
- Assets are complex, overseas or disputed.
- There is no will.
In these cases, errors can cause delays, penalties or personal liability for executors.
When does using a probate specialist make sense?
Paying for probate help should be a choice, not a default.
You may want professional support if:
- The estate exceeds IHT thresholds.
- Property is involved.
- There are trusts or multiple beneficiaries.
- Executors want reassurance or to reduce admin during bereavement.
Providers typically offer:
Probate-only services (they apply for the grant; you handle the rest).
- Full estate administration (they manage the entire process).
How much does probate cost?
Probate costs vary dramatically depending on estate complexity and the type of service.
Typical UK benchmarks:
- DIY probate: often quoted as £300, plus £16 per copy of the Grant of Probate (buy multiple copies if needed).
- Probate-only services: from roughly £500–£2,000.
- Full estate administration: typically £2,500+.
- Solicitors: may charge 1%–5% of estate value + VAT for complex cases.
DIY probate can take substantial time, depending on the estate. Fixed-fee providers can offer clarity where costs are agreed upfront.
Comparing leading UK probate providers
To allow a fair comparison, the table below uses published entry-level prices for obtaining probate and taking care of estate administration.
The prices displayed include VAT but exclude the probate registry fees (often quoted as £300) and other disbursements.
Prices are indicative (February 2026) and increase with complexity.
| Provider |
Regulation |
Probate |
Full estate administration |
Service model |
Only offer probate & estate administration |
Customer rating |
Founded |
| Kings Court Trust |
ICAEW |
From ~£1,615 |
From £3,000 |
Specialist probate & estate admin |
Yes |
Trustpilot: 4.4★ (800+ reviews) |
2002 |
| Octopus Legacy |
SRA (via Octopus Legal Services) |
£585 (grant only) |
From £2,730 |
Probate support within broader legacy services |
No |
Trustpilot: 4.6★ (1,500+ reviews) |
2017 |
| Co-op Legal Services |
SRA |
Not offered |
From £3,000 |
Fixed-fee legal probate |
No |
Trustpilot: 4.5★ (10,000+ reviews) |
2006 |
| Farewill |
SRA (via partner firm) |
From £895 |
From £2,750 |
Tech-led wills, probate & related services |
No |
Trustpilot: 4.9★ (19,700+ reviews) |
2015 |
| Simply Probate |
Not advertised |
Quote required |
Quote required |
Probate-focused service |
Yes |
Trustpilot: 4.3★ (9 reviews) |
2024 |
Note: Probate and estate administration can be a long process for complex estates, which is often misunderstood. Specialists can provide reassurance and legal expertise in complex cases.
Providers that offer other legal services (such as will writing) may score highly on Trustpilot for those services. Where relevant, consider whether the rating reflects probate experiences specifically.
Provider snapshots
The table above compares key features, pricing approaches and regulation. The summaries below provide brief context on each provider.
Kings Court Trust
Kings Court Trust is a specialist probate and estate administration provider, solely offering probate and estate administration services.
It operates at scale and is regulated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), an approved regulator and licensing authority for probate services.
Customer feedback is generally positive, with many reviewers highlighting clear communication, structured processes, dedicated case handlers, and confidence in handling complex estates.
Trustpilot: 4.4★ (800+ reviews).
Octopus Legacy
Octopus Legacy provides probate support as part of a broader legacy and estate-planning service, including wills and post-death administration.
Reviews frequently mention an approachable, supportive service and a clear process, although some customers note delays or uncertainty around scope in more complex cases.
Its probate support is typically positioned as part of a wider end-to-end offering rather than a standalone legal service.
Trustpilot: 4.6★ (1,500+ reviews). Note: This rating may reflect all legal services, not just probate.
Co-op Legal Services
Co-op Legal Services provides probate and estate administration alongside other legal services through an SRA-regulated legal services team.
Its service typically includes responsibility for the probate application and (where instructed) wider estate administration tasks, with pricing structured as fixed fees for defined stages.
Reviews are largely positive and frequently cite professionalism and clear explanations, alongside some criticism around response times and case handovers.
Trustpilot: 4.5★ (10,000+ reviews). Note: This rating may reflect all legal services, not just probate.
Farewill
Farewill is a tech-driven business offering wills, probate, and funeral services.
Fixed-fee pricing is published upfront, with a clear split between probate-only and full estate administration.
Its Trustpilot score is among the highest in this category, with reviewers appreciating a user-friendly experience.
Trustpilot: 4.9★ (19,700+ reviews). Note: This rating may be influenced by will-writing services.
Simply Probate
Simply Probate positions itself as offering probate support with a straightforward process: share estate details, receive a fixed-fee quote, and complete paperwork to obtain the Grant of Probate.
Services can typically be handled online or via phone-based support.
Pricing is not advertised and requires contacting the provider for a quote.
Reviews are limited but highlight professionalism, speed, and low costs.
Trustpilot: 4.3★ (9 reviews).
Full estate administration: when it may be the right choice
Full estate administration typically costs more because it combines probate with full legal estate administration.
This can include closing accounts, tax forms, selling property, trust work and more, rather than just the probate application.
Fees often reflect the legal responsibility involved rather than the probate application alone. For estates with higher complexity, legal risk or contentious issues, many executors are willing to pay more for specialist legal oversight and reassurance.
Regulation and consumer protections
When choosing a probate provider, regulation matters. Estate administration isn’t a regulated area; only the extraction of the Grant of Probate is a reserved legal activity.
It’s best practice to choose a regulated provider for extra security and peace of mind. Common regulators include the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC) and CILEx.
SRA-regulated providers (solicitors)
Solicitors are fully qualified lawyers and are often used for complex or disputed estates. Consumer protections include professional standards, compulsory insurance, access to the Legal Ombudsman and compensation arrangements.
Individual solicitors can still be regulated by the SRA, even if the firm or company isn’t.
ICAEW-regulated providers (specialist practitioners)
ICAEW is an approved regulator and licensing authority for probate services. Firms are required to have an approved Head of Legal Practice.
Regulated firms must provide transparent pricing information, so they commonly offer fixed-fee services.
ICAEW also provides access to the Legal Ombudsman.
Key takeaway: Both routes can offer consumer protection. The right choice depends on estate complexity, legal risk, and whether you value specialist focus or broad legal capability.
How to choose the right probate provider
When comparing providers, consider:
- How complex is the estate?
- Do you need probate-only support, or full estate administration?
- Are fees fixed upfront or open-ended?
- Is the provider properly regulated?
- What exactly is included in the service?
- How much support do you want as an executor?
There is no single “best” provider — only the right fit for your circumstances.
Helpful probate resources
If you want independent guidance before deciding, these official resources are useful:
These resources are independent of any provider and can help you decide whether professional support is appropriate.
Probate glossary: key terms explained
Probate involves legal and administrative terms that are unfamiliar to many people. This glossary explains key terms used in this guide.
- Probate: The legal process of confirming the validity of a will and granting authority to manage the estate.
- Estate administration: The process of dealing with an estate after death, handling assets, debts, and taxes before distributing inheritance.
- Grant of Probate: Issued by the Probate Registry when there is a will.
- Letters of Administration: Issued by the Probate Registry when there is no will.
- Executor: Person named in a will to manage the estate.
- Administrator: Person appointed when there is no will.
- Estate: Everything owned by the deceased, minus debts.
- Inheritance Tax (IHT): Tax that may be due on larger estates when the estate exceeds allowances.
- Probate-only service: Help applying for probate only.
- Full estate administration: Professional management of the entire estate.
- Fixed-fee probate: Fees agreed upfront.
- Disbursements: Third-party costs paid from the estate.
Final takeaway
- Simple estates: consider DIY probate first.
- Moderate complexity: fixed-fee specialists can offer clarity and support.
- High complexity or disputes: solicitor-led services may be appropriate.
Understanding how much probate costs, how providers are regulated, and what level of support is included helps you choose a service that fits your situation, rather than paying for help you don’t need or taking on more responsibility than you can manage.