WILLS & PROBATE FEES

PROBATE 

You will appreciate that it is very difficult to estimate a likely fee before we know anything about the nature and complexity of a particular estate. Based on your individual circumstances we'll advise you on the best option for you. Call us today for one of our specialist solicitors to provide you with an estimate, however below is the general rate we charge for probate matters

 

Administration of Estate where there is a Will and the estate is non-taxable - The matter will be conducted on a Fixed Fee basis which ranges from £2,500-£6,500 plus VAT at current rate of 20%. The fee will depend on the amount of work involved and each case will be treated on its own merit. In addition, 0.75% of property value and 1.5% of liquid asset value in accordance with the Law Society Guidelines.

Conduct of your case and hourly rate - Your case will be conducted by a Solicitor and experienced paralegal depending on the complexities of each case.

• Grade A (Solicitors with over 8 years Post Qualification Experience (PQE)) - £301.00 plus VAT (£60.20)
• Grade B (Solicitors with over 4 years PQE) - £247 plus VAT (£49.40)
• Grade C (Solicitors with less than 4 years PQE) - £197 plus VAT (£39.40)
• Grade D (Trainee Solicitors / Experienced paralegals) - £138.00 plus VAT (£27.60)

Our hourly rate is plus VAT at usual rate of 20%. The work involved is anticipated to take 12 hours which may increase subject to the below factors:

• Any unexpected complexities
• Failure to disclose all assets and heed advice
• More assets are discovered which attracts tax
• If there is a claim against the estate

Services included

• Provide you with a dedicated and experienced probate 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 and securely send two copies to you

The above fee is on the assumption that:

• There is a valid will
• There is no more than one property
• There are no more than 2 bank or building society accounts
• There are no other intangible assets
• There are 1-2 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 - Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as advertisement and probate fees. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smooth process. Disbursements may include:

• Probate court fee is £273 plus £1.50 for an extra copy of probate www.gov.uk/court-fees-what-they-are
• Advertisement for creditors
• London Gazette- £91 plus vat (£18.20) = £109.20
• Local newspaper £95.22 plus vat (£19.04) = £114.26
• £10 Swearing of oath (per Executor)
• Bankruptcy-only Land Charges Department searches (£12 per beneficiary inclusive of vat)

Potential additional costs – In our experience, there is always need to carry out more task than anticipated at the time of taking instruction. Potential additional work include:

• If any additional copies of the grant are required, they will cost £0.50 each (1 per asset usually).
• Dealing with the sale or transfer of any property in the estate is not included.
• Any third-party fees, for example to locate a missing beneficiary or an expert fees is not included in our fees
• £2.50 for each Executor if will is annexed

Timescale

• On average, estates that fall within this category are dealt with within 4-19 months.
• Typically, obtaining the grant of probate takes 7-27 weeks. Collecting assets then follows, which can take between 6-20 weeks (depending on the circumstances).
• Once this has been done, we can distribute the assets, which normally takes 2-4 weeks.

The above is only an estimate and each case is unique. An accurate estimate will be provided upon receipt of instructions and evidence.

Administration of Estate where there is a Will in a taxable estate - Fixed fee estimate £3,000 - £9,000 plus VAT of £600 - £1800. The fee will depend on the amount of work involved and each case will be treated on its own merit. An average fee for this matter is estimated to be £7,000 plus VAT of £1400 (depending on the amount of work involved). In addition, 0.75% of property value and 1.5% of liquid asset value in accordance with the Law Society Guidelines.

Conduct of your case and hourly rate - Your case will be conducted by a Member/Solicitors and experienced paralegal depending on the complexities of each case:

• Grade A (Solicitors with over 8 years Post Qualification Experience (PQE)) - £301.00 plus VAT (£60.20)
• Grade B (Solicitors with over 4 years PQE) - £247 plus VAT (£49.40)
• Grade C (Solicitors with less than 4 years PQE) - £197 plus VAT (£39.40)
• Grade D (Trainee Solicitors / Experienced paralegals) - £138.00 plus VAT (£27.60)

Our hourly rate is plus VAT at usual rate of 20%. The work involved is anticipated to take 12 hours which may increase subject to the below factors:

The work involved is anticipated to take 28 hours subject to the below factors:

• Any unexpected complexities
• Failure to disclose all assets and heed advice
• More assets are discovered which attracts tax
• If there is a claim against the estate

Services included – Our services will include:

• Initial attendance to obtain instructions and advice
• Determine assets
• Correspond with organisations involving the deceased’s assets
• Value assets and arrange for the sale of any property
• Complete the Inheritance forms
• Determine how to pay inheritance tax
• Prepare oath, Issue application and obtain Grant of Probate

Disbursements: Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as advertisement and probate fees. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smooth process. Disbursements may include

• Probate court fee is £273 plus £1.50 for an extra copy of probate www.gov.uk/court-fees-what-they-are
• Advertisement for creditors
• London Gazette- £91 plus vat (£18.20) = £109.20
• Local newspaper £95.22 plus vat (£19.04) = £114.26
• £10 Swearing of oath (per Executor)
• Bankruptcy-only Land Charges Department searches (£12 per beneficiary inclusive of vat)

Potential additional costs - In our experience, there is always need to carry out more task than anticipated at the time of taking instruction. Potential additional work include:

• If any additional copies of the grant are required, they will cost £0.50 each (1 per asset usually).
• Dealing with the sale or transfer of any property in the estate is not included.
• Any third-party fees, for example to locate a missing beneficiary or an expert fees is not included in our fees
• £2.50 for each Executor if will is annexed

Timescale

• On average, estates that fall within this range are dealt with within 4-19 months.
• Typically, obtaining the grant of probate takes 7-27 weeks. Collecting assets then follows, which can take between 6-20 weeks (depending on the circumstances).
• Once this has been done, we can distribute the assets, which normally takes 2-4 weeks.

The above is only an estimate and each case is unique. An accurate estimate will be provided upon receipt of instructions and evidence.

Administration of an Estate where the Deceased has died intestate i.e. not leaving a Will in a non-taxable estate - Fixed fee estimate £4,000 - £10,000 plus VAT @ 20% (VAT from £800 - £2000). The fee will depend on the amount of work involved and each case will be treated on its own merit. An average fee for this matter is estimated to be £7,000 plus VAT @20% (£1400) (depending on the amount of work involved). In addition, 0.75% of property value and 1.5% of liquid asset value in accordance with the Law Society Guidelines.

Conduct of your case and hourly rate - Your case will be conducted by a Solicitors and experienced paralegal depending on the complexities of each case:

• Grade A (Solicitors with over 8 years Post Qualification Experience (PQE)) - £301.00 plus VAT (£60.20)
• Grade B (Solicitors with over 4 years PQE) - £247 plus VAT (£49.40)
• Grade C (Solicitors with less than 4 years PQE) - £197 plus VAT (£39.40)
• Grade D (Trainee Solicitors / Experienced paralegals) - £138.00 plus VAT (£27.60)

Our hourly rate is plus VAT at usual rate of 20%. The work involved is anticipated to take 12 hours which may increase subject to the below factors:

The work involved is anticipated to take 28 hours subject to the below factors:

• Any unexpected complexities
• Failure to disclose all assets and heed advice
• Disagreements between beneficiaries
• More assets are discovered which attracts tax
• Supporting evidence
• Conducting will search
• Issues in relation to deciding who should be appointed a Personal Representative
• If there is a claim against the estate

Services included – The fees advised will include services such as:

• Initial attendance to obtain instructions and advice
• Determine assets
• Determine who should be the Personal Representative of the Estate
• Determine who the beneficiaries are in accordance with the Rules of Intestacy
• Correspond with organisations involving the deceased’s assets
• Conduct a Will search
• Value assets including any property or investments
• Arrange for the sale of any property or investments
• Complete the Inheritance form (IHT205)
• Advertise for creditors
• Prepare oath, Issue application for Letters of Application

Disbursements - Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as advertisement and probate fees. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smooth process. Disbursements may include:

• Probate court fee is £273 plus £1.50 for an extra copy of probate www.gov.uk/court-fees-what-they-are
• Will search £95 plus VAT (£19) = £114.00
• London Gazette- £91 plus vat (£18.20) = £109.20
• Local newspaper £95.22 plus vat (£19.04) = £114.26
• £10 Swearing of oath (per Executor)
• Bankruptcy-only Land Charges Department searches (£12 per beneficiary inclusive of vat)

Potential additional costs

• If any additional copies of the grant are required, they will cost £0.50 each (1 per asset usually).
• Dealing with the sale or transfer of any property in the estate is not included.
• Any third-party fees, for example to locate a missing beneficiary or an expert fees is not included in our fees
• £2.50 for each Executor if will is annexed

Timescale

• On average, estates that fall within this range are dealt with within 4-19 months.
• Typically, obtaining the grant of probate takes 7-27 weeks. Collecting assets then follows, which can take between 6-20 weeks (depending on the circumstances).

The above is only an estimate and each case is unique. An accurate estimate will be provided upon receipt of instructions and evidence.

Administration of an Estate where the Deceased has died intestate i.e. not leaving a Will in a taxable estate - Fixed fee estimate £4,500 - £11,000 plus VAT @ 20% (VAT from £900 - £2200). The fee will depend on the amount of work involved and each case will be treated on its own merit. An average fee for this matter is estimated to be £8,000 plus VAT @ 20% (depending on the amount of work involved). In addition, 0.75% of property value and 1.5% of liquid asset value in accordance with the Law Society Guidelines.

Conduct of your case and hourly rate

Your case will be conducted by a Solicitors and experienced paralegal depending on the complexities of each case:

• Grade A (Solicitors with over 8 years Post Qualification Experience (PQE)) - £301.00 plus VAT (£60.20)
• Grade B (Solicitors with over 4 years PQE) - £247 plus VAT (£49.40)
• Grade C (Solicitors with less than 4 years PQE) - £197 plus VAT (£39.40)
• Grade D (Trainee Solicitors / Experienced paralegals) - £138.00 plus VAT (£27.60)

Our hourly rate is plus VAT at usual rate of 20%. The work involved is anticipated to take 12 hours which may increase subject to the below factors:

The work involved is anticipated to take 28 hours subject to the below factors:

• Any unexpected complexities
• Failure to disclose all assets and heed advice
• Disagreements between beneficiaries
• More assets are discovered which attracts tax
• Supporting evidence
• Conducting will search
• Issues in relation to deciding who should be appointed a Personal Representative

Services included – The fees advised will include services such as:

• Initial attendance to obtain instructions and advice
• Determine assets in the estate
• Determine who should be the Personal Representative of the Estate
• Determine who the beneficiaries are in accordance with the Rules of Intestacy
• Correspond with organisations involving the deceased’s assets
• Conduct a Will search
• Value assets including any property or investments
• Arrange for the sale of any property or investments
• Complete the Inheritance form (IHT205)
• Advertise for creditors
• Prepare oath, Issue application for Letters of Application
• Arrange to pay Inheritance Tax either through a lump sum or by instalment

Disbursements - Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as advertisement and probate fees. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smooth process. Disbursements may include:

• Probate court fee is £273 plus £1.50 for an extra copy of probate www.gov.uk/court-fees-what-they-are
• Will search £95 plus VAT (£19) = £114.00
• London Gazette- £91 plus vat (£18.20) = £109.20
• Local newspaper £95.22 plus vat (£19.04) = £114.26
• £10 Swearing of oath (per Executor)
• Bankruptcy-only Land Charges Department searches (£12 per beneficiary inclusive of vat)

Potential additional costs

• If any additional copies of the grant are required, they will cost £0.50 each (1 per asset usually).
• Dealing with the sale or transfer of any property in the estate is not included.
• Any third-party fees, for example to locate a missing beneficiary or an expert fees is not included in our fees.

Timescale

• On average, estates that fall within this range are dealt with within 4-19 months.
• Typically, obtaining the Letters of Administration takes 9-28 weeks. Collecting assets then follows, which can take between 6-18 weeks (depending on the circumstances).

The above is only an estimate and each case is unique. An accurate estimate will be provided upon receipt of instructions and evidence.

Inheritance Tax - Please note that the current threshold for inheritance tax is £325,000. Further information can be obtained on the government website: www.gov.uk/inheritance tax

Any inheritance tax charges payable will be in addition to our legal fees and disbursements.

Please note that the cost does not include the sale of any house owned by the deceased.

 Conduct of your case - Our solicitors have experience in all aspects of probate law, and we dedicate ourselves to ensuring our knowledge stays up to date, in order to give you the best service possible. They have over 10 years of experience in the area. We always make sure that trainee solicitors and members of staff are supported and supervised appropriately so that the quality of advice is not affected, regardless of who is working on your case.