Probate Transparency in Price & Service

Applying for the grant, collecting IN and distributing the assets for a straight forward estate

In a fairly simple estate, we anticipate the time required to administer the estate (in most cases) will take between 8 and 10 hours work charged at £200.00 per hour. Total costs estimated will be between £1,600.00 - 2,000.00 (+VAT), with an additional value element of 1% of the personalty (e.g. bank accounts) and 0.5% of the realty (e.g. property).

The exact cost will depend on the individual circumstances of the matter. For example, if there is one beneficiary and no property, costs will be at the lower end of the range. If there are multiple beneficiaries, a property and multiple bank accounts, costs will be at the higher end.

We will handle the full process for you. This quote is for estates where:

• There is a valid will
• There is no more than one property
• There are no more than 3 accounts at different bank or building societies
• There are no other intangible assets
• There are 1-4 adult 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

Disbursements NOT included in this fee:

• Probate application fee of £155.00 (Current fee)
• £7.00 for swearing of the oath (per executor)
• Bankruptcy-only Land Charges Department searches (£2.00 per beneficiary)
• Legal fees incurred under section 27 of the Trustee Act 1925 to protect against unexpected claims from unknown creditors of £150.00 - £200.00 (depending upon local newspaper advertisement fees)

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 is 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 of Representation are required, they will cost £0.50 (1 per asset usually).
• Dealing with the sale or transfer of any property comprised in the estate is not included.

How long will this take?

On average, estates that fall within this range are usually dealt with within 4-6 months. Typically, obtaining the Grant of Probate takes 6-8 weeks. Collecting in the assets then follows, which can take between 3-4 weeks. Once this has been done, we can prepare estate accounts and distribute the assets, which normally takes 2-3 weeks.

For complex administrations

For more complex estate, the time required to administer the estate might be significantly higher depending upon the size of the estate, the complexity of the assets, whether there are minor beneficiaries, whether a professional executor is appointed, whether all beneficiaries can be located, whether there is any dispute between beneficiaries, etc.

Fixed fee costs for obtaining a Grant of Probate / Letters of Administration

We can help you through this difficult process by obtaining the Grant of Probate on your behalf.

How much does this service cost?

• fixed fee of £550.00 (+ VAT) if there is no requirement for an HRMC Inheritance tax account to be submitted with the application
• fixed fee of £900.00 (+ VAT) if an HRMC Inheritance tax account to be submitted with the application for the Grant

Disbursements NOT included in this fee:

• Probate application fee of £155.00 (Current fee)
• £7.00 for swearing of the oath (per executor)
• Additional copies of the grant will cost £0.50 each.

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:

• Provide you with a dedicated and experienced probate practitioner/solicitor to work on your matter
• Identify the legally appointed executors or administrators and beneficiaries
• Accurately identify the type of Probate application you will require
• Obtain the relevant documents required to make the application
• Complete the Probate Application and the relevant HMRC forms
• Draft a legal Oath for you to swear
• Make the application to the Probate Court on your behalf
• Obtain the Probate

Typically, if sufficient information is provided, obtaining the Grant of Probate takes 4-6 weeks.