Probate costs in 2026: England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Court fees for probate and confirmation in each part of the UK, how solicitors charge for estate administration, and when you may not need a grant at all.
Executry solicitors in Scotland: compare fees
Scotland has no probate. Executors apply to the sheriff court for confirmation, and the work of administering the estate is called executry. Estates of up to £36,000 can use a simpler small estate procedure; larger estates are usually handled by a solicitor.
Compare fees in ScotlandFrequently asked questions
How much do executry solicitors in Scotland charge?
Fees are set by each firm and vary with the work involved. Compare fixed fees side by side on Compare Legal, check what each quote includes, and make sure VAT and disbursements are in the total before you choose.
Do I always need confirmation?
Not always. Small estates, and assets held jointly that pass automatically to the survivor, may not need it. Banks and other holders set their own limits, so check with each one before you apply.
What should a quote include?
The firm's own fee, VAT, and disbursements: the costs the firm pays for you, such as searches, registration fees or court fees. Ask whether the fee is fixed and what would make it go up.