How much does probate cost?

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.

Application for the Grant of Probate Only

For a very straightforward Grant application, (where no Inheritance tax is payable nor any additional IHT allowances are to be claimed) we offer a fixed fee of £1,250 plus VAT £250 (£1,500) plus disbursements (details of which are set out below). If the application involves more complex issues, additional fees will be charged (see below). Examples of this would be: - a) Claiming the spouses transferable IHT nil rate band - An additional £200 plus VAT £40 (£240) b) Power of Attorney required £200 plus VAT £40 (£240)

IHT400 (Full Account) Grant only applications: this is where Inheritance Tax is payable or full Accounts are required to be produced to HMRC due to additional IHT allowances are being claimed we offer a fixed fees of £2,500 plus VAT £500 (£3,000) plus disbursements (details of which are set out below).

These fixed fees include:

• Face to Face or telephone consultation with the Executors or Personal Representatives explaining the process.
• Identify the type of Probate Application required
• Obtaining all figures and information required form the Executors or Personal Representatives
• Complete the Probate Application (either online or paper based)
• Complete the relevant HMRC forms
• Draft a Legal Statement (if required) / Probate Application form
• And making the application to the Probate Court on your behalf

Any additional work not included above, will be charged at the fee earners hourly rate. For details of our hourly rates see below.

Full Administration of an estate

This includes, writing to Banks and Building Societies for the balances of accounts as at the date of death, obtaining valuations of Properties and investments, obtaining details of any debts, applying for the Grant, collecting assets, paying debts and distributing the Estate.

The exact cost will depend on the complexity of each Estate. Where estates become more complex and further additional work is needed, the costs will increase in line with our standard hourly rates. Examples of how the complexity can increase may be the following:

• Matters where there is no will and the deceased left no surviving spouse or adult children
• Where the Estate consists of any share holdings (stocks and bonds)
• Where the deceased was domiciled abroad
• Registration of the death
• Transfer of the spouses Nil Rate band or Residential Nil Rate Band
• Completion of the IHT400 full account for HMRC
• Dealing with the sale or transfer of any property in the Estate
• Dealing with the variation of the Estate (Drafting a Deed of Variation)
• Dealing with any disputes that may arise
• Minority interest requiring nomination of co-administrator
• Power of attorney required
• Affidavit (e.g. of due execution) or Order required
• Mental capacity issues requiring medical certification and Court of Protection liaison

How long does probate take?

The length of time the probate process takes can vary significantly, depending on several factors including the complexity of estate and if the will has been contested. It can take as little as a few months to a couple of years, so it is often a good idea to speak to a specialist probate solicitor to understand more about your circumstances.

Factors that can influence probate fees

There are a number of different factors that can influence how much probate costs, such as:

• The value and complexity of your estate
• Whether property is solely or jointly owned
• Inheritance tax issues
• Where no will has been made or a will is deemed invalid
• If a will has been disputed or contested

What are disbursements in probate?

Disbursements in probate are costs that relate to your probate application that are payable to any third-party (essentially, any money your solicitor will be required to pay to another organisation or individual in the process of managing probate). This could include:

• Probate application fee - £300 (no VAT)
• Sealed copies of the Grant - £1.50 per copy (no VAT)
• Bankruptcy searches - £3.20 per UK resident beneficiary & the deceased (no VAT)
• Bankruptcy searches - £60 for non-UK residents
• Land registry searches - £4.20 per property (no VAT)
• Certainty will search - £95 plus VAT (£114)
• Section 27 Notice – London Gazette £96 (inc. VAT) Local paper £100-£200

Conveyancing

This firm does not carry out conveyancing work. Therefore, where a property needs to be sold, you will need to instruct your own conveyancing firm and the estate will be liable for their costs separate to our own stated above. If you wish for us to communicate with the conveyancer directly then additional fees will be incurred at our standard hourly rates.

Our hourly rates

For your information the hourly rates which are applicable for your matter are:

We review the hourly rate each year and we will notify you of any change in the rate in writing.

Why choose Slater and Gordon for probate?

Depending on the will, the estate and the beneficiaries, carrying out your duties as an executor or administrator can be complicated and time consuming. While you are allowed to pay yourself any expenses back from the estate, you are not entitled to a reimbursement of your time. However, you can use legal representation to assist you. Our professional fees can be paid from the estate.

Our probate solicitors can assist you with tasks such as:

• Applying for a Grant of Probate or a Grant of Letters of Administration.
• Identifying and collecting in assets of the estate and identifying and paying any outstanding debts of the estate
• Considering and settling the tax position of the estate
• Communicating with the beneficiaries and distributing according to the will.
• If there is no will, distributing the estate according to the rules of intestacy.