Solicitor Fee Estimate Calculator

Solicitor fees in the UK vary by location, seniority and type of work. For conveyancing, fees typically range from £850 to £1,800 plus VAT and disbursements (searches, Land Registry fees). For probate, fees often range from 1% to 4% of the estate value or a fixed fee for simpler estates.

Many solicitors now offer fixed fees for standard work such as conveyancing, simple wills, and uncontested divorce. For litigation and complex matters, they may charge hourly rates ranging from £150 to £500+ per hour depending on location and seniority. Always ask for a costs estimate and check if VAT is included.

This calculator provides estimated fee ranges for common legal services based on current market rates. Actual quotes will vary, so use it as a guide when comparing solicitor quotes and to ensure you budget for disbursements and VAT on top of the legal fees.

UK solicitor fee structures 2026. Hourly rate: £150-£500+/hour (provincial); £400-£1,500/hour (London magic circle firms). Fixed fee: increasingly common for: conveyancing £900-£2,000; divorce uncontested £600-£1,500; will writing £150-£500; probate (uncontested) £2,000-£5,000. Conditional fee (No Win No Fee): personal injury cases — solicitor takes 25% of damages if win. Hybrid: cap on hourly + success fee.

Typical solicitor fees by service. Conveyancing (£300k purchase): £1,200-£2,000 + £200 disbursements. Will (basic): £150-£300. Will (complex with trusts): £500-£2,000. Probate (estate £500k): £3,500-£8,000. Divorce (uncontested no-fault): £600-£1,500 + £593 court fee. Divorce (contested): £5,000-£100,000+. Personal injury (RTA): No Win No Fee, 25% of damages. Family/Children Act: £200-£500/hour.

What solicitors must disclose 2026. Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) requires: cost estimate at outset (Section 60 information); updates if costs likely to exceed estimate by 20%; itemised bill at completion; right to assessment if disputed. Hourly billing must show: hours per task; per-hour rate; disbursements (court fees, search fees, etc.) separately. Lifestyle hour breakdown: 6 minute units typical (1 unit = £30 at £300/hour).

How to reduce UK solicitor costs. Use fixed-fee where possible (conveyancing, simple wills). Online solicitors (Conveyancing Direct, Slater + Gordon): often 30-50% cheaper than high street. Self-help for simple tasks: probate up to £5k estates (DIY via gov.uk); simple uncontested divorce (gov.uk online); basic wills (online will-writing services £30-£100). Mediation before court for family disputes: 50-80% cheaper than court-fought.

Legal aid in UK 2026. Legal aid restricted since 2013 (LASPO). Available for: serious family violence; some Children Act cases; severe immigration cases; mental health tribunals. Most civil and family matters: NO legal aid. Means tested: gross income under £32,000 typically. Legal Help (advice only): £80-£200 contribution. Citizens Advice + Law Centres provide free guidance for many situations. Always check legal aid eligibility before paying privately.