Probate Services

Fees in probate matters vary depending on the particular circumstances  as each estate is different.

We offer both fixed fees  and  fees based on an hourly charge rate.

Fixed fee for obtaining Grant of Probate

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 £800 + VAT at 20% (£960) – to £1,500 + VAT at 20% (£1,800).

The range of fees depends on for example whether a full Inheritance tax Account is required (we will inform you whether this is the case once information about the estate is obtained), whether there is information or valuations you require us to obtain to complete the grant application

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.

These include :

Probate court fee of £155. + £1.50 each court copy

Land Registry fees of copies of title of property £6.00

What is included

As part of our fixed fee we will:

• Provide you with a dedicated and experienced probate solicitorl legal executive  to work on your matter
• Identify the legally appointed executors or administrators and beneficiaries
• Identify the type of Probate application you will require
• List and obtain for you if necessary the relevant documents required to make the application
• Complete the Probate Application and the relevant HMRC forms
• Make the application to the Probate Court on your behalf
• Obtain the Probate and securely send copies to you

Time scale

On average it takes  from 3 -6 months to obtain a grant if there are no complications. If a full Inheritance tax account is required in order to obtain a grant it is likely to be at the higher end of that time scale.

Administration of the estate -including applying for the grant, collecting and distributing the assets

How much does this service cost?

Our fees vary and depend on individual circumstances but for straightforward estates our fees range between £1,500 + VAT at 20% (total £1,800) to £5,000 + VAT at 20% (total £6,000).

The above fees are  based on an hourly rate of between £140 per hour + VAT at 20% (total £168) to £195 + VAT at 20% (total £234) depending on the complexity of the work involved – we will inform you of the experience and qualification of the individual who will carry out the work when further information about the estate concerned is obtained.

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 a full Inheritance tax account is required ,if any Inheritance tax is payable, there are multiple beneficiaries, a property and multiple bank accounts - any of these will mean costs will be at the higher end.

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.

These include :

Probate court fee of £155. + £1.50 each court copy

Land Registry fees of copies of title of property £6.00

Bankruptcy-only Land Charges Department searches (£2 per beneficiary)

Identify Verification Search £5 + VAT per beneficiary

Statutory advertisements – Protects against unexpected claims from unknown creditors- £150 - £200+ VAT

What is included-

We will handle the whole process for you including:

• Provide you with a dedicated and experienced probate practitioner - solicitorl legal executive-  to work on your matter
• Identify the legally appointed executors or administrators and beneficiaries
• 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
• Make the application to the Probate Court on your behalf
• Obtain the Probate
• Collect the assets
• Distribute the assets
• Deal with finalising tax matters
• Prepare Estate Accounts

The above range of costs is for  estates where:

• There is a valid will
• There is no more than one property
• There are not multiple eg more than 5 bank or building society accounts
• There are no other intangible assets
• There are not multiple eg more than 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 are no claims made against the estate

Potential additional costs

• If there is no will or the estate consists of any share holdings (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.
• Dealing with the sale or transfer of any property in the estate is not included- our property department will provide you with a quote on request.
• Where we have to instruct third parties eg to value assets/ accountants to deal with complex tax matters – we will inform if this becomes necessary

How long will this take?

On average it takes  from 3 -6 months to obtain a grant if there are no complications; and then for collection and distribution of assets, completion of tax matters  to completion of the administration up to a further  6 months again if there are no complications

Private Client Department

Our Private Client Department is happy to deal with all aspects of private client work including preparation of Wills, obtaining Grants of Probate and the dealing with the administration of estates, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Court of Protection work. The firm acts as financial Attorneys in certain circumstances and also Court appointed Deputy where appropriate. We also act as Executors and Trustees where required.

The members of the department are as follows: -

Sarah Garrard – Sarah is a Solicitor and Partner of the firm. She has many years’ experience in dealing with all aspects of private client work including Trusts, Court of Protection matters, Wills, Probate and Estate administration. She qualified as a Solicitor in 1995.

Mark Dennison – Mark is a Solicitor who joined the firm in January 2022. He has extensive experience in dealing with all aspects of private client work including Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Probate and Estate administration and Court of Protection work.

Melanie Smith – Melanie is an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives. She joined the firm in 1995. Melanie currently deals with all aspects of private client work including Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Probate and Estate administration and Court of Protection work.

The Department is supervised by Partner Mr J.K. Morrison.