Probate Cost in Cork and Ireland — Full Breakdown

One of the first questions executors ask when dealing with an estate in Cork is: how much will probate cost? The answer depends on the size and complexity of the estate, but this guide gives you a realistic breakdown of all the costs involved.

Components of Probate Costs in Ireland

1. Solicitor Fees

Solicitor fees are typically the largest cost. Two charging structures are common:

• Percentage of estate: Most commonly 1%–2% of the gross estate value, plus VAT at 23%. On a €500,000 estate, this means €5,000–€10,000 in solicitor fees before VAT.
• Fixed fee / hourly rate: Some Cork solicitors charge an agreed fixed fee or hourly rate (€200–€350/hr). For straightforward estates with no property, this can be more economical.

Always ask for a written fee estimate or cost agreement before instructing a probate solicitor.

2. Probate Office Court Fees

Court fees are payable on application for the Grant of Probate, calculated on the net estate value:

• Estate under €500: no fee
• €500–€10,000: €25
• €10,000–€50,000: €75
• €50,000–€250,000: €300
• €250,000–€500,000: €600
• Over €500,000: €800

(Fees current at time of writing; verify current schedule with the Probate Office.)

3. Revenue Fees

Filing the CA24 Inland Revenue Affidavit with Revenue is now done online and does not carry a separate filing fee. However, any Capital Acquisitions Tax (CAT) owed by beneficiaries must be paid, typically by 31 October of the year following the inheritance.

4. Property Valuation Fees

If the estate includes property, a professional valuation from a registered valuer is required. Valuation fees in Cork typically range from €150 to €400 per property.

5. Commissioner for Oaths / Notary Fees

The Oath of Executor must be sworn before a Commissioner for Oaths (usually a solicitor). This typically costs €10–€20 per document.

6. Land Registry / Registry of Deeds Fees

If property needs to be transferred, Land Registry fees apply based on the property value — typically 0.5% to 1% of the property value, subject to minimums and maximums set by the Property Registration Authority.

Total Probate Cost — Worked Example

Estate: House in Cork (€350,000) + bank accounts (€80,000) + investments (€70,000) = €500,000 gross estate

• Solicitor fee (1.5%): €7,500 + VAT = €9,225
• Probate Office fee: €800
• Property valuation: €250
• Land Registry fee: ~€400
• Total estimated cost: ~€10,675

CAT (if applicable) is additional and paid by the beneficiary, not the estate.

Who Pays Probate Costs?

Probate costs are paid from the estate before distribution to beneficiaries. The executor should ensure sufficient liquid assets are available to cover costs, or make arrangements with the solicitor for fees to be deducted from the estate proceeds.

Minimising Probate Costs

• Keep good records of all assets and liabilities during your lifetime
• Make a will to avoid the additional cost of Letters of Administration
• Consider joint ownership of assets to avoid probate entirely for some assets
• Shop around — Cork probate solicitor fees vary significantly