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

1. 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)
2. 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: -

1. Face to Face or telephone consultation with the Executors or Personal Representatives explaining the process.
2. Identify the type of Probate Application required
3. Obtaining all figures and information required form the Executors or Personal Representatives
4. Complete the Probate Application (either online or paper based)
5. Complete the relevant HMRC forms
6. Draft a Legal Statement (if required) / Probate Application form
7. 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.

Timescales

It is difficult to give an estimate of timescales for this service as it will very much depend on your individual circumstances and many factors that will be beyond our control. As a guide obtaining the Grant of Probate takes 4 – 8 months from receiving full instructions on assets/liabilities, this can increase in the event of requisitions being necessary.

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.

For estates where there is a valid Will:

Example 1

There is only one beneficiary

One Property

One bank account

No Inheritance tax payable

Total estimated costs will be in the region of £3,000 plus VAT plus Disbursement as below

If there are multiple beneficiaries, a property and multiple bank accounts, costs will be higher as per example 2

Example 2

There is only one residential property

There are 5 bank or building society accounts or less, with no other assets

There are 2-4 beneficiaries

There are no disputes between beneficiaries

There is no inheritance tax payable

We anticipate this will take between 15 and 30 hours work.

Total costs estimated at £4,500-8,500 (plus VAT at 20%).

Disbursements as listed below, are not included in the above cost estimate.

Our full Estate costs are based on the number of hours the Estate takes to complete based on our individual charging rates between £180 - £375 per hour depending on the fee earner dealing with the estate and its complexity.

Please see hourly rate details below.

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

Timescales

The Administration of an Estate typically takes anywhere from 3 months to 3 years to complete depending on the complexity of the Estate. Extremely complex matters could take even longer from initial instructions to distribution of the Estate.

You would be informed of any increase to our estimated fees prior to us carrying out any further work.

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.

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.

Likely disbursements

Disbursements are costs payable to third parties, such as Court fees.

• Probate 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 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 (incl. VAT) Local Paper £100-£200

Can I pay legal fees for probate from the estate?

Yes, if you are the administrator or executor of a loved one, you can opt for legal representation and the professional fees are paid from the estate.