Percentage-Based Probate Fees

October 28, 2025

Why a Percentage-Based Fee Model Makes Probate Simple

Dealing with probate is never easy. You’re already navigating grief, managing family dynamics, and handling paperwork that seems endless. The last thing you need is uncertainty about legal costs spiralling out of control.

At Tayntons, we’ve seen firsthand how billing structures can either ease or add to the stress of estate administration. That’s why we believe in a percentage-based fee model for probate work—and we’re here to explain exactly why this approach gives you clarity, fairness, and peace of mind when you need it most.

Understanding Probate Fees

Before diving into billing structures, let’s clarify what probate involves. Probate is the legal process of administering a deceased person’s estate. This includes applying for a grant of probate (or letters of administration if there’s no will), collecting assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing what remains to beneficiaries.

Probate solicitors in Gloucester and throughout the UK typically use one of three billing methods:

Hourly rates: You’re charged for every phone call, email, and piece of paperwork. While this might seem straightforward, costs can quickly become unpredictable.

Fixed fees: A set amount is agreed upfront, regardless of the estate’s value.

Percentage-based fees: The solicitor’s fee is calculated as a percentage of the estate’s gross value. This is the model Tayntons uses, and here’s why it benefits you.

The Transparency Advantage

One of the biggest concerns people have when seeking a probate quote is not knowing what they’ll end up paying. Hourly rates can vary wildly depending on how complicated the estate turns out to be. Did the deceased own shares? Is there property abroad? These complexities can double or triple your initial estimate.

With a percentage-based model, you know from day one what your legal fees will be. At Tayntons, we charge 2.5% of the gross estate value (with a minimum retainer of £2,500 + VAT) when there’s a valid will. If letters of administration are required because there’s no will, our fee is 3% of the gross estate value (minimum £3,500 + VAT).

This clarity is invaluable. You can budget accurately, explain costs clearly to beneficiaries, and avoid unpleasant surprises down the line. Disbursements—third-party costs like probate application fees (£300) and newspaper notices—are additional but clearly itemised in your quote.

Fairness Across All Estate Sizes

A percentage-based structure ensures fairness. Larger estates typically involve more assets, more complexity, and more administrative work. It’s only right that the fee reflects this reality.

Consider two estates: one worth £100,000 and another worth £500,000. The second estate might include multiple properties, investment portfolios, and overseas accounts—all requiring significantly more time and expertise to administer properly. A percentage-based fee naturally scales with this complexity, ensuring you’re not overpaying for a simple estate or undercharged (and potentially undeserved) for a complicated one.

Efficiency Without Compromise

When you’re charged by the hour, there’s an incentive (however unintentional) to take longer on tasks. Every phone call adds up. Every document review increases the bill.

With percentage-based probate fees, this dynamic disappears. We’re motivated to work efficiently because our fee is already set. There’s no financial gain in dragging things out. Instead, we can focus entirely on what matters: administering the estate correctly, communicating clearly with all parties, and reaching a resolution as quickly as possible.

On average, estates at Tayntons are completed within 6-9 months. Obtaining the grant typically takes 10-12 weeks, collecting assets another 10-12 weeks, and distribution a further 10-12 weeks. Our percentage-based structure allows us to maintain this efficiency without compromising quality.

What’s Included (and What’s Not)

Transparency means being upfront about what your probate rates cover. At Tayntons, our percentage-based fee includes:

• Applying for the grant of probate or letters of administration
• Collecting all estate assets
• Paying outstanding debts and liabilities
• Distributing assets to beneficiaries
• Providing regular updates throughout the process
• Handling all necessary correspondence with banks, HMRC, and other institutions

What’s not included? Dealing with the sale or transfer of property requires separate conveyancing work. If the estate contains shareholdings, additional costs may apply depending on complexity—though we’ll give you an accurate quote once we understand the whole picture.

Why Choose Tayntons for Probate?

Tayntons has been supporting families in Gloucester, Cheltenham, and the Forest of Dean for years. Our probate team, supervised by Adam Hampson (Associate Solicitor and Acting Head of Probate), brings over a decade of experience to every case.

We’ve achieved Lexcel accreditation from the Law Society, recognising our strength in practice management and client care. We’re independently regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), providing additional reassurance about the standards we maintain.

But what really sets us apart is our approach. We understand that probate isn’t just about paperwork and legal processes. It’s about supporting families through difficult times, communicating clearly, and making a complex process as straightforward as possible.

Our percentage-based fee structure is part of that commitment. It removes uncertainty, ensures fairness, and allows us to focus on what we do best: providing expert, empathetic legal support when you need it most.

Frequently Asked Questions About Probate Fees

What are typical probate fees for solicitors?

Probate fees vary depending on the billing structure and the complexity of the estate. Hourly rates can range significantly, while fixed fees might start around £1,500 for straightforward estates. Percentage-based fees typically range from 2% to 4% of the estate value.

How long does probate take?

Most estates are completed within 6-9 months. However, this depends on factors like how quickly information is provided by banks and asset holders, whether there are any disputes, and the complexity of the estate.

Do I need a solicitor for probate?

You’re not legally required to use a probate solicitor, but most people find professional help invaluable. Probate involves complex legal and tax issues, strict deadlines, and significant responsibility. A solicitor ensures everything is handled correctly and can save considerable time and stress.

What’s the difference between probate and letters of administration?

Probate is required when there’s a valid will. Letters of administration are needed when someone dies without a will (intestate). The process is similar, but letters of administration typically involve more work to establish who should administer the estate and how assets should be distributed.

Get the Support You Deserve

Dealing with probate doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With transparent, percentage-based pricing and expert guidance from experienced probate solicitors in Gloucester, you can navigate the process with confidence.

Rated Excellent on Reviewsolicitors with over 389 client reviews and based in the heart of Gloucester, Tayntons is here to help. Get in touch with our team to learn more about our Wills, Trusts & Powers of Attorney service and discover how we can support you through probate and beyond.

Call us on 01452 522047, email info@tayntons.co.uk, or request a callback through our website. Let’s make this process as straightforward as possible.