Probate Solicitor Fees in Cork — What You Should Expect to Pay

Probate solicitor fees in Cork and Ireland are not regulated by a fixed tariff — they are negotiated between the solicitor and the estate. This guide helps you understand how fees are calculated, what to look for in a fee agreement, and how to get value for money from your Cork probate solicitor.

How Are Probate Solicitor Fees Calculated?

Percentage of Estate Value

The traditional approach — and still common in Ireland — is for the solicitor to charge a percentage of the gross estate value, typically 1% to 2%, plus VAT at 23%. Some firms charge a lower percentage for larger estates (e.g., 1% above €500,000).

Example: €600,000 estate at 1.5% = €9,000 + VAT = €11,070 total.

Hourly Rate

Some Cork probate solicitors charge an hourly rate, typically €200–€350 per hour plus VAT. This can be more cost-effective for straightforward estates where the hourly cost is predictable.

Fixed Fee

Fixed-fee probate is increasingly offered by Cork solicitors, particularly for estates below a certain value or with limited assets. A fixed fee gives certainty and avoids disputes about the final bill.

What Should Probate Solicitor Fees Include?

Clarify at the outset what is included in the quoted fee. A comprehensive probate fee should cover:

• Taking instructions from the executor
• Valuing assets (except where specialist valuations are needed)
• Corresponding with financial institutions and other parties
• Completing and filing the CA24 Revenue Affidavit
• Preparing and lodging Probate Office documents
• Obtaining the Grant of Probate
• Collecting assets and paying debts
• Drafting and distributing estate accounts
• Transferring assets to beneficiaries

Outlays — Not Part of Solicitor Fees

Separate to the solicitor's fee, the estate pays outlays (disbursements) including:

• Probate Office court fee (up to €800)
• Property valuation fees (€150–€400)
• Land Registry fees (0.5%–1% of property value)
• Commissioner for Oaths fees (€10–€20 per document)
• Additional death certificates (€20 each)

Is the Solicitor Fee Paid from the Estate?

Yes — probate solicitor fees are paid from the estate before distribution to beneficiaries. The executor should ensure sufficient liquid assets exist to cover legal fees and all estate debts before any distribution.

Getting a Fee Agreement

The Law Society of Ireland requires solicitors to give clients a written fee agreement (costs letter) at the outset. Always insist on this before proceeding. Compare quotes from two or three Cork probate solicitors for significant estates.