Solicitor fees are usually the single largest cost in the probate process. Understanding how solicitors charge — and what their fee does and does not cover — helps you budget realistically and avoid surprises. For a full breakdown of all probate expenses, see our guide to probate costs and fees in Ireland.
This guide explains the three main fee structures, what a typical quote should include, your legal rights around costs, and how to compare quotes so you choose the right solicitor for your situation.
Three ways solicitors charge for probate
There is no standard fee for probate work in Ireland. Solicitor fees are not set by law, and different firms use different pricing models. The three most common are fixed fees, percentage-based fees, and hourly rates.
1. Fixed fee
A fixed fee means you agree a set price for the probate work before it begins. This is the most predictable option and is common for straightforward estates — typically those with a valid will, one property or fewer, and no complex tax issues. Fixed fees for simple estates generally range from €2,000 to €5,000 plus VAT.
The key advantage is certainty: you know the cost from day one. However, always confirm what the fixed fee covers. Some quotes only include obtaining the Grant of Probate and do not cover distributing assets, transferring property, or dealing with Revenue queries.
2. Percentage of estate value
Some solicitors charge a percentage of the gross estate value, typically 1% to 2%, plus VAT. For a €500,000 estate, a 2% fee would be €10,000 plus €2,300 VAT — a total of €12,300. This model is less common than it was, but some firms still use it, particularly for larger estates.
The risk with percentage-based fees is that the cost bears no relationship to the work involved. A €500,000 estate consisting of one house and one bank account may require exactly the same work as a €200,000 estate, yet the fee would be more than double. If a solicitor proposes a percentage fee, ask them to justify the rate against the actual work required.
3. Hourly rate
Hourly rates for probate solicitors in Ireland typically range from €150 to €350 per hour, plus VAT. This model is more common for complex estates where the scope of work is difficult to predict — for example, estates with disputes, business interests, or assets in multiple countries.
Hourly billing gives flexibility but creates uncertainty. Ask your solicitor for an estimate of the total hours expected, and request regular updates on time spent. Under the Legal Services Regulation Act 2015, your solicitor must notify you if costs are likely to increase significantly beyond the original estimate.
Typical costs at a glance
The table below compares the three fee models, their typical ranges, and who each model suits best. All figures exclude VAT at 23%.
| Fee Model | Typical Range | Best For | Risk to You |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed fee | €2,000–€5,000 + VAT | Simple estates with a clear will, one property, and no tax issues | Low — you know the cost upfront |
| Percentage of estate | 1–2% of gross estate + VAT | Larger estates where the solicitor handles everything end to end | High — a €500,000 estate at 2% = €10,000 before VAT |
| Hourly rate | €150–€350/hour + VAT | Specific tasks or complex estates where scope is unclear | Medium — cost depends on how long the work takes |
What should be included in the fee
A comprehensive probate solicitor fee should cover the key steps in the probate process. Not all quotes include the same services, so it is important to clarify exactly what you are paying for.
Common extras that add to the bill
Even with a written quote, some costs are often billed separately. Knowing about these in advance helps you budget accurately and avoid disagreements later.
Probate Office filing fees
The Probate Office charges a filing fee based on the net value of the estate. These fees are separate from solicitor fees and are set by statutory instrument. Solicitor applications attract lower fees than personal applications — typically around half the cost. For example, an estate valued between €250,001 and €500,000 costs €350 for a solicitor application versus €700 for a personal application.
For a full breakdown of Probate Office fees by estate value band, see the fee table in our probate costs and fees guide.
Your rights on solicitor costs
Since 7 October 2019, Section 150 of the Legal Services Regulation Act 2015 gives you specific protections around solicitor costs. Your solicitor must provide a written costs notice (commonly called a “Section 150 notice”) after receiving your instructions but before starting any work.
If you believe your solicitor has overcharged you, you can raise the issue directly with them first. If that does not resolve the matter, you can complain to the Legal Services Regulatory Authority (LSRA), which investigates complaints about excessive costs. The LSRA can direct a resolution, and complaints are free to make.
How to compare solicitor quotes
Getting at least two or three written quotes is the single most effective way to manage probate costs. Use the checklist below to ensure you are comparing like with like.
| Question to Ask | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Is this a fixed fee or an estimate? | An estimate can increase; a fixed fee cannot (unless the scope changes) |
| Does the fee include VAT at 23%? | A €3,000 fee becomes €3,690 with VAT — always confirm |
| Are Probate Office filing fees included? | These range from €100 to €650+ and are often quoted separately |
| Does the fee cover the full process or just the Grant? | Some quotes only cover obtaining the Grant, not distributing assets or transferring property |
| What would cause the fee to increase? | Disputes, missing documents, or unexpected tax issues can push fees higher |
| Is the Revenue SA.2 filing included? | Some solicitors treat the Statement of Affairs as a separate charge |
| Are property transfers (conveyancing) included? | Transferring or selling a house is often billed separately |
A lower headline fee is not always the better deal. A quote that includes the full process — from the SA.2 filing through to distributing the estate — may be better value than a cheaper quote that only covers obtaining the Grant.
When is a solicitor worth the cost?
For simple estates with a valid will, a single property, cooperative beneficiaries, and no tax complications, many executors complete probate without a solicitor. The Probate Office supports personal applications, and the process is manageable with careful attention to paperwork.
Professional help is worth considering when the estate includes multiple properties, business interests, foreign assets, or when beneficiaries disagree. In these situations, the solicitor's fee often pays for itself by preventing errors that cause delays and additional costs. For a broader look at the decision, see our guide to DIY probate versus professional help.