Private Client

Transparent Pricing

Contacts:

• David Wood
• Omek Marks

• Probate Prices and Timescales

  We think it is helpful to outline to you the procedure and the timescales to be followed. Probate can be a long process and there can be many obstacles that can cause delay. When using our Probate Solicitors you will always have a named point of contact and a direct dial and email address and we will keep you updated at all times.

  Our prices are based on an hourly rate only as opposed to a percentage of the value of the assets in the estate. This means we will give you an estimate for our costs for dealing with the administration of the estate based on the number of hours of work required.

  Our estimate of costs will always be provided once we have assessed the complexity of the estate.

  Complications can come out of the woodwork at any time and any change in our estimate would always be communicated with you clearly and as early as possible to take into account any additional unforeseen work.

• Full Probate Service

  The price, depending on complexity and the overall value of the estate, for a standard Probate, will generally be between £3,000 and £12,000 + VAT for estates that are uncontested and have UK assets only.

  Estates vary widely in terms of their size and complexity.  There may be multiple beneficiaries, property and multiple bank accounts, for example.  IHT may or may not be payable.  Typically, our estimates will fall within a range as follows:-

  • straightforward case, no IHT return required : £2,000 to £5,000 plus VAT
  • medium complexity chase, IHT return required : £5,000 to £10,000 plus VAT
  • complex case : £10,000 to £30,000 plus VAT

  We use hourly rates to calculate our fees. Our private client team have hourly rates that range from £180 to £350 plus VAT. We will tell you at the outset who will be carrying out the work and their particular rate. We will give you an estimate of cost based on the time we think it will take and provide regular updates to confirm that we are working to that estimate. Unlike other firms, we do not charge on a percentage of the value of the assets.

  This does not include disbursements outlined below.

• Our full probate services includes:
  • Initial meeting and fact-finding
  • Collecting information
  • Applying for the Grant of Representation
  • Placing public notices and undertaking the relevant asset, liability and Will tracing searches (where required)
  • Arranging valuations
  • Dealing with Inheritance Tax
  • Collecting in assets
  • Paying any liabilities
  • Distributing the estate
• It excludes:
  • Dealing with the sale or transfer of any land in the estate and a separate charge would be provided by our Property team and a quotation can be provided upon request.
  • Dealing with a Deed of Renunciation where one or more of the executors wishes to step down.
  • Dealing with assets outside of the UK.
  • Disputes arising with an estate.
  • Disbursements such as:-

  1. Probate Registry Fee – £273 plus £1.50 for every additional copy of the Grant required.
  2. Land Registry registration and search fees.
  3. Fees for placing public notices, undertaking asset, liability and Will tracing searches.
  4. Tracing Agents and Genealogists fees.
  5. Miscellaneous expenses such as travelling expenses.
  6. Other professional fees, such as accountants and valuers.
• Grant of Representation only

  If the Personal Representatives do not wish to instruct us to deal with the full administration of the estate we offer a fixed price alternative to deal with the application for the Grant of Representation and completing the appropriate inheritance tax form(s) only.

  This service relies on the Personal Representatives obtaining valuations of all the deceased’s assets and liabilities to enable us to prepare the relevant paperwork, which we would then submit to the Probate Registry and HMRC. Once the Grant of Representation is then issued we would provide the same to the Personal Representatives to allow them to take the necessary steps to deal with the assets and complete the administration of the estate. However, if the Personal Representatives require any further assistance with the administration of the estate we can provide a cost estimate for this additional work.

  Our costs for a Grant of Representation only range from £995 +VAT to £2000 +VAT depending on the complexity involved and the relevant inheritance tax form(s) that are required.

  In addition to our costs, there is also a Probate Registry fee payable in the sum of £273 together with £1.50 for every additional copy of the Grant required (no VAT is applied).

  If notices are required for non-proving executors to whom power is to be reserved, where one or more of the executors does not wish to take up the role nor do they wish to formally step down by renouncing, there will be an additional fee of from £150 + VAT depending upon the number of non-proving executors.

  Any reference to VAT is calculated at the standard rate for goods and services, currently 20%. Prices are correct as of 1 April 2023.