Probate Fees

Our Probate Fees

We charge for our full estate administration service on time spent at the hourly rate of the solicitor managing your case so that we can tailor our services specifically to your requirements. You will only pay for the work carried out on your behalf regardless of whether the executors are individuals or directors of this firm.

Our hourly rate for Probate is £245.00. In addition to the rates above, VAT is charged at the rate applicable, currently 20%. Our rates are reviewed annually, and any changes will be confirmed in writing to our clients.

Stages of administering an estate:

• Valuing the assets and liabilities in the estate;
• Completion of the relevant inheritance and income tax forms and payment of tax;
• Obtaining the Grant of Representation;
• Collecting in the assets of the estate;
• Settling any debts and liabilities of the estate;
• Preparation of estate accounts;
• Distribution of the assets.

The average timescales:

• From initial instruction to receipt of the Grant of Representation: 3-6 months
• Collecting and distributing the assets: 3-6 months
Total timescale therefore is normally 6- 12 months to complete the whole process.

There are several factors which affect both overall cost and timescale for the administration of the estate such as:

• Whether inheritance tax is payable;
• The type and number of assets comprised in the estate;
• Whether any beneficiaries are missing;
• If there is a property in the estate and if there is, how long it takes for a sale to proceed;

Until we have the details of all the assets and liabilities in the estate It is difficult for us to give an accurate estimate of the costs involved and the likely timescales. However, a simple UK estate with a valid Will, less than 5 beneficiaries, consisting of a residential property and less than 5 bank accounts would typically cost between £3,000 – £5,000 plus VAT and disbursements.

Additional matters that can affect fees and timescales:

There are several issues which can arise during the estate administration which will incur additional costs and timescales may need to be extended such as:

• Investigation into the estate by the Department of Work and Pensions where a deceased person has been in receipt of Pension Credit or any means tested benefit prior to their death;
• Missing beneficiaries or assets;
• Disagreements between executors or beneficiaries;
• Claims brought against the estate;
• Complex tax issues;
• Variations or alterations to the terms of the Will, intestacy or trusts arising under the Will;
• Setting up and administering an ongoing Will trust.

Disbursements

Disbursements are expenses that we must pay to third parties on your behalf. The following additional expenses will be required:

• Probate Court Fee – £273 with additional copies of the probate charged at £1.50 each
• Land Registry search – £3
• Bankruptcy search fee – £2 per name searched
Optional disbursements:
• Legal notices to creditors – £200 + VAT (estimated)

Billing

We send detailed client care and terms of business letters to the executors of the estate or where the directors in this company are executors the letters are sent to the residuary beneficiaries of the estate. We provide regular invoices that are settled from the estate assets unless agreed otherwise at the point of instruction.
We will keep you updated on costs as matters progress and let you know if any of these issues arise and any likely impact on timescales and costs.

Fixed Fee Grant of Probate/Letters of Administration Only Service

We charge a fixed price of £750.00 for obtaining the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration only should you wish to administer the estate yourself. Our charges do not include VAT, which we will add to your bill at the applicable rate, currently 20% plus any disbursements.

Should you require us to undertake any further work or if a transaction does not reach a conclusion, we reserve the right to charge for the work done, using our normal charging basis of £245 per hour. You can find further information regarding our hourly fees on Pages 1&2 of Our Probate Fees section under the heading Full Estate Administration Service.

In addition to the rates above, VAT is charged at the rate applicable, currently 20%. Our rates are reviewed annually, and any changes shall be confirmed in writing to our clients.

Stages of grant only service includes:

  • Instruction meeting
    • Completion of Inheritance Tax HMRC 205 form and Statement in support of application to Probate Registry
    • Attendance upon executors for approval and signature of documents
    • Submitting papers to the Probate Registry
    • Obtaining Grant
    • Forwarding Grant to Executors

 The average timescales:

Applications for Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration usually take 6 to 12 weeks from receiving your instructions to receipt of the Grant. This is on the basis that all the necessary information required to complete the application is provided within two weeks of the initial meeting.

Additional matters that can affect fees and timescales:

The above fixed fee assumes we are only instructed to obtain the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration.  As set out above, further fees will be payable in accordance with our hourly rates if there are any complications arising from the Will or, if you require assistance with the administration of the Estate.

Examples of issues that would incur additional charges:

  • Advice relating to the distribution of the Estate.
  • Advice relating to the validity of the Will.
  • Advice relating to the Executors or Beneficiaries.
  • Where the deceased was domiciled abroad.
  • Completion of the IHT form 400 when the IHT205 is not appropriate.
  • Claim of the Residential Nil Rate Band.
  • Transfer of the Residential Nil Rate Band.
  • Transfer of the IHT Nil rate band.
  • Valuing assets within the estate.
  • Dealing with any utility provides e.g., insurance, utilities, council tax.
  • Advertising of statutory notices. (Trustee Act notice)
  • Any conveyancing which may be required to deal with the property.
  • Any Inheritance tax, income tax or capital gains tax issues.
  • Dealing with any Legacies in the Will.
  • Payment of debts and liabilities in the Estate.
  • Collection and distribution of assets.
  • Preparation of estate accounts.
  • Advice in connection with variation of the estate or drafting any documentation relating to this.
  • Dealing with any disputes which may arise.

If any complications arise, we will write to you to discuss the likely impact on timescales and costs before proceeding.

 Disbursements

Disbursements are expenses that we must pay to third parties on your behalf. The following additional expenses will be required:

  • Probate Court Fee – £273 with additional copies of the probate charged at £1.50 each.

Optional disbursements:

  • Legal notices to creditors – £200 + VAT (estimated)
  • Land Registry search – £3
  • Bankruptcy search fee – £2 per name searched

Billing

We send detailed client care and terms of business letters to the executors of the estate and an invoice is raised upon receipt of the Grant of Probate/letters of Administration.