APPLYING FOR PROBATE AND ACTING IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF AN ESTATE

We can help you through this difficult process by obtaining values of assets in order that we can apply for the Grant of Probate on your behalf and then collecting and distributing the estate assets.

Our fee for this service is dependant on the assets in the estate but typically can cost between £1,000 – £2,000 plus VAT and disbursements.  The basic price range for an estate which is below the Inheritance Tax threshold is as follows :-

Estate of 1 property and up to 4 accounts – £1,000 – £1,200 plus VAT
Estate of 1 property and from 4 up to 10 accounts – £1,200 – £2,000 plus VAT

Additional Costs relating to the Administration of an Estate

If there is no Will there will be an additional charge in relation to the increased complexity – £100 plus VAT

Banded fee scale in relation to number of share holdings/stock

1 to 3 share holdings – £100 plus VAT
3 to 5 share holdings – £150 plus VAT
6 plus share holdings – £200 plus VAT

Banded fee scale in relation to number of beneficiaries

3 to 5 beneficiaries – £100 plus VAT
6 plus beneficiaries – £150 plus VAT

Disbursements

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.

Probate court fee of £273 plus £1.50 for each office copy Grant required (usually 1 per asset)

Bankruptcy-only Land Charges Department searches (£2.00 plus vat per beneficiary).

Approximately £180.00 to place Statutory Notices in the Local Papers and in The London Gazette – Protects against unexpected claims from unknown creditors.

As part of our fixed fee we will:

• 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
• 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 and securely send copies to you
• Collect and distribute all assets in the estate

Typically, the court takes at least 16 weeks to issue the grant of probate or letters of administration. Collecting assets then follows, which can take between 4-6 weeks. Once this has been done, we can distribute the assets, which normally takes 6-8 weeks.

Any reference to a Grant of Probate also includes a Grant of letters of administration. This will apply when the deceased has left no will and the estate will be distributed in accordance with the rules of intestacy. The same fees will apply.

APPLYING FOR PROBATE

Should you wish to simply ask us to obtain a Grant of Probate on your behalf and then collect and distribute assets of the estate yourself our fixed fee for this service is £700 plus VAT

Probate court fee of £273 plus £1.50 for each office copy Grant required (usually 1 per asset)

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 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
• 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 and securely send copies to you

Typically, the court takes at least 16 weeks to issue the grant of probate or letters of administration.

Any reference to a Grant of Probate also includes a Grant of letters of administration. This will apply when the deceased has left no will. The same fees will apply.

WILLS

Our fixed fee for preparing a standard will is £160 plus vat. For 2 mirror wills (for example for a married or cohabiting couple) our fee is £250 plus vat.

This fee includes taking your instructions, drafting the will and sending it to you for approval then attending on you for it to be signed and witnessed.

Should you require a complex will then hourly fees of £200 plus vat will apply. If it becomes apparent that such fees will apply we will seek your further instructions before incurring costs in excess of our fixed fee.