Probate – Pricing and Services Information

Full estate administration service - applying for the grant of representation, collecting and distributing the assets

 

Our fees are based on the time spent administering the estate at the hourly rates of the lawyers involved, which range from £225 - £325 per hour (+VAT). We anticipate that our total fees will be in the region of £12,000 plus VAT.

The exact cost will depend on the individual circumstances of the matter. For example, if there is one beneficiary and no property, costs will generally be lower than the estimate provided above. If there are multiple beneficiaries, property and multiple bank accounts, the costs will be higher.

We will handle the full process for you. The fee estimate provided above is for estates where:

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• There is a valid will

• There is no more than one property

• There are no more than 8 bank or building society accounts

• There are no other intangible assets

• There are 5 - 10 beneficiaries

• There are no disputes between beneficiaries on division of assets. If disputes arise this is likely to lead to an increase in costs

• There is no inheritance tax payable and the executors do not need to submit a full account to HMRC

• There are no claims made against the estate 

Additional disbursements include:
 

• Probate application fee of £300.00

• Bankruptcy searches (£6.00 per beneficiary)

• £150.00 - Section Trustee Act 1925 Notices in The London Gazette – protects against unexpected claims from unknown creditors.

• £100.00 Section Trustee Act 1925 Notices in a local newspaper – this also helps to protect against unexpected claims. 

 
Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as court fees. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.

 

Potential additional costs
 

• If there is no will or the estate consists of any shareholdings (stocks and bonds) there are likely to be additional costs that could range significantly depending on the estate and how it is to be dealt with. We can give you a more accurate quote once we have more information.

• If any additional copies of the grant are required, they will cost £16 each (1 per asset usually).

• Dealing with the sale or transfer of any property in the estate is not included.

 

How long will this take?

 
Estates that fall within this range are usually dealt with in 6 – 9 months. Obtaining the grant of probate can take 6 - 12 weeks. We then collect the assets of the estate which on average takes 4 – 6 weeks. Thereafter we can distribute the assets, which normally takes 2 - 3 weeks. 
 
In the administration of estates and in transactions involving a substantial financial consideration or benefit to the client, fees may be calculated both by reference to the time spent and also by reference to a value element based on e.g. the price of the property, the size of the estate or the value of the financial benefit. The value element reflects the importance of the transaction and the resultant risk and responsibility falling on the firm.
 
Probate application service 

We can help you through this difficult process by obtaining the Grant of Probate on your behalf as a stand-alone service. 

How much does this service cost?

TOTAL: fixed fee of £2,000.00 (plus VAT and disbursements) for a straightforward estate where no inheritance tax account is required. 

Breakdown of costs:

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Legal fees £2,000.00

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VAT on legal fees £400.00

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Disbursements :

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• Probate court fee of £300.00.

 

Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as court fees. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process. 
 
As part of our fixed fee we will:

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• Provide you with a dedicated and experienced probate lawyer to work on your matter

• Identify the legally appointed executors or administrators and beneficiaries

• Accurately identify the type of probate application you will require and the information required

• Obtain the relevant documents required to make the application

• Complete the probate application and arrange for you to sign the relevant forms

• Make the application to the probate court on your behalf

• Obtain the probate and securely send copies to you

 
Typically, obtaining the grant of probate takes 10 - 20 weeks.