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Probate Fees Calculator for Nigeria

Calculate the probate fees payable to the High Court in Nigeria based on estate value and state. For executors and administrators.

Your details

Select the state where the application for Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration will be filed. Fee schedules differ by state.

The total estimated value of all assets in the deceased's estate (cash, property, investments, etc.).

The applicable stamp duty rate on the estate value. For Probate/Letters of Administration in Lagos, the rate is 0.75% (as per the Stamp Duties Act). In other states, confirm with the local Stamp Duty Office. The default is set to the Lagos rate.

Result

Total Estimated Probate Fees NGN 139,750.00

The total estimated fees payable to the High Court for the probate or letters of administration application.

How it is calculated

Base Probate Fee The probate fee calculated from the estate value using the progressive bracket system for the selected state.
NGN 82,500.00
Probate Fee (Ensuring Minimum) The probate fee, which cannot be less than the statutory minimum.
NGN 82,500.00
Stamp Duty Stamp duty payable on the total estate value.
NGN 56,250.00
Keep in mind
  • This calculator provides an estimate based on available fee schedules. Actual fees may vary depending on the specific High Court registry, additional administrative charges, and recent changes in state laws.
  • The schedules for Rivers, Oyo, Kaduna, and 'Other States' are based on common patterns and may not reflect the exact, current law in those states. Always verify with the local High Court.
  • The stamp duty rate default is 0.75%, which is the rate stipulated by the Stamp Duties Act for instruments like Probate. Some states may have specific rates or practices; confirm with the State Stamp Duty Office.
  • This calculation does not include legal practitioner's fees, publication costs, affidavit fees, or other ancillary expenses of probate administration.

Indicative result, calculated from the details and the rules listed below. It does not replace an official calculation or advice from a professional.

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Application for Grant of Probate
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Probate Fees in Nigeria

When a person dies in Nigeria, their estate often requires a Grant of Probate (if there is a will) or Letters of Administration (if there is no will) to be legally administered. Obtaining this grant from the High Court involves paying certain official fees. These probate fees are primarily based on the total value of the deceased's estate and the state where the application is filed.

How Probate Fees Are Calculated

The total cost consists of several components:

  • Probate Fee: This is the core fee charged by the High Court. Each state has its own schedule, which applies a progressive percentage to different portions of the estate value. For example, Lagos State uses a tiered system where the first ₦1,000,000 is taxed at 0.5%, the next ₦4,000,000 at 1%, and so on. The bracket function in this calculator performs this progressive calculation correctly.
  • Minimum Fee: Every schedule stipulates a minimum payable amount, regardless of how small the estate value-based calculation might be.
  • Stamp Duty: A stamp duty is levied on the total estate value. The rate is governed by the Stamp Duty Act. For Probate and Letters of Administration, the applicable rate is 0.75% of the estate value, as per the Act.
  • Court Filing Fee: A fixed administrative fee for filing the application documents.

Example Calculation

Consider an estate valued at ₦7,500,000 in Lagos State.

  1. The base probate fee is calculated progressively using the Lagos schedule: 0.5% on the first ₦1,000,000 = ₦5,000; 1% on the next ₦4,000,000 (up to ₦5,000,000) = ₦40,000; 1.5% on the remaining ₦2,500,000 = ₦37,500. The total base fee is ₦82,500.
  2. The Lagos minimum fee is ₦5,000, which is lower than the calculated fee, so the probate fee remains ₦82,500.
  3. Stamp duty at 0.75% of ₦7,500,000 is ₦56,250.
  4. Adding the fixed court filing fee of ₦1,000 gives a total estimated fee of ₦139,750.

Common Scenarios

  • Small Intestate Estate: For a modest estate of ₦500,000 in a state using a general schedule, the calculated fee might be below the minimum. The payable fee would be the minimum (e.g., ₦2,000) plus stamp duty and filing fees.
  • Large Estate: High-value estates incur higher progressive fees, making the total cost substantial. The precise bracket system must be checked for the state of application.

Next Steps: The Application for Grant of Probate

After estimating the fees, the next step is to prepare the formal application. The primary document required is an Application for Grant of Probate (with a will) or an application for Letters of Administration (without a will). These forms detail the deceased's information, the will (if any), the proposed executor/administrator, and a full inventory of the estate's assets and their values. Accurately stating the total estate value on this form is crucial, as it directly determines the fees payable to the court.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between probate fees and lawyer's fees?

Probate fees are official government charges paid to the High Court. Lawyer's fees are separate professional charges for legal services in preparing and processing the application. This calculator estimates only the official court fees.

Do I pay probate fees if the estate is very small?

Yes. Even for small estates, a minimum probate fee is payable, along with stamp duty and filing fees. The minimum ensures a base court charge for processing the application.

Why does the state matter in calculating fees?

In Nigeria, the administration of probate is handled by the High Court of each state. Each state judiciary sets its own fee schedule and rules, leading to significant variations in costs across the country.

Is stamp duty always 0.75% for probate?

For Probate and Letters of Administration, the Stamp Duty Act specifies a rate of 0.75% on the value of the estate. This is the rate applied in this calculator. While states administer stamp duty, this rate is the statutory reference for such instruments.

What happens if I underestimate the estate value?

Underestimating the estate value on your application is a serious matter. The court may reject the application, or you could be liable for the fee shortfall plus penalties. Always provide a truthful and accurate valuation supported by evidence.

Are the fees different if there is a will?

The core probate fee calculation based on estate value and state schedule is the same for both Probate (with a will) and Letters of Administration (without a will). Any cost differences typically arise from ancillary steps like newspaper publications, not from a different fee schedule.

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