Price guide relating to Probate when applying for the grant of probate, best estimate of £750 – £1500 plus VAT plus Disbursements

• Standard Single Will – Approximately £195– £250
• Standard Mirror Will – Approximately £350– £450
• Complicated Will – £450 – £700
• Non contentious Probate – £750 – £1500
• Contentious Probate – £3000 – £5000

The above are the best estimate of our professional fees. Please note that VAT where applicable and any disbursements such as the Probate fees are payable by the client. 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 there are multiple beneficiaries, a property and multiple bank accounts, costs will be at the higher end.

 

We will handle the process for you. This quote is for simple estates. A simple case estate is where:

• There is a valid will
• There is no more than one property
• There are no more than 4 bank or building society accounts
• There are no other intangible assets
• There are 1 – 4 beneficiaries
• There are no disputes between beneficiaries on the 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 Inheritance Tax account to HMRC
• There are no claims made against the estate

Our services

We will –

• 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 documentation 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 grant of probate and securely send two copies to you; and
• Collect and distribute all assets in the estate if we have been instructed as such.

Obtaining a Grant of Probate

• We will obtain the Grant of Probate for the Executors and the Executors will then administer the Estate.
• Obtaining Grant of Probate/Letter of Administration only  (This covers ascertaining assets of the estate;  drafting an Oath; completing tax form; dealing with Probate Registry and Department for Work and Pensions). Prices range from £750 for an Estate where Inheritance Tax is not payable and will not require a transferable Nil Rate Band Application or a full HM Revenue & Customs Account (IHT400).
• Administration of the Estate (This covers obtaining probate as above plus collecting in the assets; distributing to beneficiaries and transferring property if no mortgage is involved.  This fee assumes an estate is under £325,000)    
• If an estate is above £325,000 and is liable to pay Inheritance Tax or a full HM Revenue & Customs Form (IHT400) is required then our fees range from £1,500 to £6,000 depending on the complexity of the estate.

Full Estate Administration

• Our fees are 1% of the value of the Estate plus time spent at the current hourly rate.
• If we are the Executors to the Estate a charge of 1½% of the value of the Estate plus time spent at the current hourly rate will be charged.
• If the sale of property or land is involved there will be a separate charge for the Conveyancing aspect involved.
• Please note that if there is a material change of circumstances after a fixed fee has been agreed we may need to discuss an increased fee.  This would only be applied after the agreement.

Disbursements

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.

 

Disbursements are not included in our fee and the following below are likely anticipated disbursements:

• Probate application fee of £155.50
• £5.00 + £2.00 per Exhibit Swearing of the oath (per executor).
• Bankruptcy-only Land Charges Department searches (£3.00 per beneficiary).
• Probate application fee of £155 plus £1.50 for each copy of the grant required.
• Land Registry transfer of property fee – this is variable but is currently £60 for a property worth £150,000.
• £282 (including agent’s fee) for Statutory Notices in The London Gazette and a local newspaper to Ipswich – Protects Personal Representatives against unexpected claims from unknown creditors.  Notices in other localities will incur an additional charge.
• Unclaimed Assets Register search – £25
• Valuation fees for property, share portfolios, chattels and other assets will incur additional charges depending on the valuer you ask us to instruct.
• HMLR search fees from £3 per Land Registry title.
• Accountants’ fees, stockbrokers’ fees, Counsel’s fees and other professional fees may be incurred and you will be advised if this is the case in your matter.

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.

 

Timings

• Straightforward probate cases to be completed within 2-3 months.  
• Where an IHT 400 is required by HMRC, the application for probate will take approximately 3-5 months. More complex cases can take up to 18 months.
• A typical Estate administration will take three to eighteen months to complete dependent upon the complexity and assets involved.
• Please be aware that applications may take longer to be dealt with by HMRC and the Probate Registry during the COVID-19 pandemic.