Online probate: what the term actually covers
"Online probate" is used to mean three different things: the official HMCTS application service, regulated firms selling probate work online at a fixed fee, and self-help platforms that prepare you to apply personally. They differ enormously in cost and in who carries responsibility.
Jurisdiction: England & Wales. Last reviewed 13 August 2026.
The three models compared
| Model | Who does the work | Typical cost | Who is responsible |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official HMCTS service | You | £526 court fee only | You, as executor |
| Regulated online firm | A solicitor or licensed practitioner | Often a percentage of the estate, or a four-figure fixed fee | The firm, under professional regulation |
| Self-help platform (this service) | You, with structured guidance and prepared documents | £349 plus the court fee | You, as executor |
Where we sit
We are the third model. We do not act as your executor, solicitor or tax adviser, and we do not submit the application for you. We make doing it yourself organised, evidenced and far less frightening.How to choose
- Estate is straightforward, you have the time, no disputes — self-help is usually the right call
- Estate is taxable, holds a business, trust or foreign assets — use a regulated firm
- Anyone is threatening a claim, or a caveat has been entered — use a solicitor immediately
- You are an executor who simply does not want the responsibility — a firm can be appointed to act
Watch the pricing model, not the headline
A percentage fee on a £600,000 estate at 2% is £12,000 for work that does not scale with the estate's value. A fixed fee is easier to judge. Always ask what is excluded: property sales, tax returns, unclaimed asset searches and statutory notices are commonly extra.
Frequently asked questions
- Is online probate safe?
- The official application service is the same court process, just digital. What varies is who you buy help from — check whether a paid service is regulated and what it actually delivers.
- Can I switch from doing it myself to using a solicitor?
- Yes, at any stage. Nothing in a self-help route prevents you instructing a firm later if the estate turns out to be more complex.
Dealing with a straightforward estate yourself?
Our free probate checker helps you work out whether this estate appears suitable for a self-help route. It asks about jurisdiction, disputes and complexity, takes a few minutes, and needs no account.
£349 one-off service fee if you go ahead. Court fee and any Inheritance Tax are paid separately.
Sources
Continue your probate journey
Apply For Probate Online is an independent self-help service and is not part of HM Courts & Tribunals Service or GOV.UK.