Probate Fees

• Applying for Grants of Probate/Administration including preparation of IHT forms for HM Revenue and Customs
• Establishing who is entitled as beneficiary or beneficiaries of the estate
• Identifying and administering the assets of the estate until they can be sold or distributed to the beneficiaries
• Preparing and filing the necessary IHT tax forms with HM Revenue & Customs and obtaining accountancy assistance, if required.
• Where required assisting with regard general administration of an estate and where required post death planning such as through a Deeds of Variation
• Dealing with any outstanding debts or liabilities of the estate
• Preparation of estate accounts to ensure transparency and clarity for all involved and distributing the estate to the beneficiaries
• Contentious Probate – dealing with any Will/Probate disputes that may arise

Timescale

Whilst all estates are individual as to their actual requirements, generally where there is a simple estate and a valid Will it can take between three to six months to complete. It is not unusual for cases to take between six to nine months where additional information is required before an application can be made for the Grant of Probate/Administration. Complex cases where there maybe inheritance tax payable and IHT 400 forms to complete can take between nine months to eighteen months to conclude sometimes longer depending on how long it takes to sell assets such as shares and property. In cases where there is no Will these timescales are likely to increase.

Probate costs

Our charges are clear and transparent. We do not charge any “added value” element or percentage of the estate, so you only pay for the work that you need from our solicitors. Where the family or executors can deal with much of the work themselves, we can assist them to obtain the Grant of Probate/Administration only if that is what they want.

Obtaining the Grant only

Where there is a simple estate the simplest and most cost-effective way for our clients is for us to apply for a Grant of Probate/Administration for them. Our specialist Probate Solicitors will draft and submit the application for a Grant of Probate (or Grant of Letters of Administration) using information provided by the family only. The family will thereafter be responsible for dealing with the estate once the Grant has been received.

• Where a simplified estate form (IHT205) is submitted – estimated at £1250 – £2000 plus VAT and disbursements* (i.e. payments to third parties)
• Where a full estate form (IHT400) is submitted – estimated at between £3,500 -£6,000 plus VAT and disbursements* (i.e. payments to third parties)

As all estates are individual the above should be taken as a general guide only.

Full estate administration and distribution

Our full estate administration service will provide you with help and assistance throughout the including:

• Providing initial advice
• Gathering the necessary evidence needed for the Probate application
• Applying for the Grant of Representation
• Collecting in the estate assets in
• Dealing with HM Revenue and Customs
• Paying tax, liabilities and legacies out
• Preparation of full estate accounts and assisting with tax returns including instructing accountants
• Distributing the residue of the estate to the beneficiaries including charities

Our fees for this will vary depending upon the terms of the Will (or if the deceased died intestate), the size and complexity of the estate and the type of assets involved.

As a guide, the fees for full estate administration will typically start from £2,500 – £3,000 plus VAT* and disbursements which are subject to VAT unless otherwise specified (payments to third parties) for a straightforward estate whilst fees for more complex estates can exceed £10,000 plus VAT* and disbursements which are subject to VAT unless otherwise specified (payments to third parties). As each matter is individual as to their actual requirements these estimates are a general guide only

Costs can be reduced considerably if family members are prepared to help with the non-legal tasks such as arranging the funeral, meeting with estate agents, house insurance and clearance and informing utility companies and the Council of the change.

The above is an estimate only. Before undertaking any work, we will meet with you to review the Will and discuss the estate. No two estates are the same so bespoke advice and assistance is required and can only be ascertained at the first meeting. We will then give you a fee estimate at this meeting.

*Probate Court fees of £300 per application are charged in addition to VAT and solicitors charges. Please note the government are reviewing these fees currently and they are therefore subject to change. Extra copies of the Grant of Probate/Administration can be purchased for £1.50 each. No VAT.

Additional costs such as bankruptcy searches, Trustee Act notice charges, swear fee are all chargeable in addition to the above.

Costs of selling or transferring property are payable in addition to our fees. Our solicitors hourly rate range is between £250 to £275 per hour plus vat.