PROBATE
Option 1
Grant only: We can help you through this difficult process by obtaining the Grant of Probate on your behalf
How much does this service cost? The cost for this service starts at £995 plus VAT at 20% and will depend on individual circumstances
This includes: Preparation of the application papers on the basis of estate information supplied by you, submission of the application and responding to any queries raised by the Probate Registry prior to issue of the Grant of Probate
This does not include the completion of an IHT400 where inheritance tax has to be paid within 6 months of death. In these cases, we would discuss the assets involved and provide you with a fee estimate based on the Estate itself.
As part of this service 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 documents required to make the Application
Complete the Probate Application
Make the application to the Probate Registry on your behalf
Obtain the Probate and securely send copies to you
Disbursements: these are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as Court fees. These are payable by the Estate and by the Executors. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.
Probate Registry Fees (see below)
ID checks on Executors up to a cost of £3.42 (inc VAT at 20%) per Executor
Bankruptcy-only Land Charges Department Searches (£2 per beneficiary plus VAT at 20%)
Approximately £350 plus VAT at 20% for a post in The London Gazette and local newspaper - this protects you against unexpected claims from unknown creditors although it is not necessary in every case
Financial Asset Search £200 plus VAT (estimate) at 20% which will ensure all assets are taken into account - optional
How long will this take? On average, it will take around 16-20 weeks to receive a Grant of Probate from the point of application.
Probate Registry Fee: £273 (+ £1.50 per office copy) no VAT is charged on this disbursement
Option 2
Full Administration: We can assist by obtaining the Grant of Probate on your behalf. We will also undertake the collection and distribution of assets.
How much does this service cost? This can take around 10 hours or more and so at an hourly rate of £330 plus VAT at 20%. The costs are estimated to start from £3,300 (plus VAT at 20%)
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 estimate. If there are multiple beneficiaries, a property and multiple bank accounts or if there is an inheritance tax bill, costs will be higher.
We will handle the full process for you. This quote is for Estates where:
As part of this service 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 documents required to make the Application
Complete the Probate Application and the relevant HMRC forms
Make the application to the Probate Registry on your behalf
Obtain the Probate and securely send copies to you
Collect and distribute all assets in the Estate
Disbursements: these are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as Court fees. These are payable by the Estate and by the Executors. We handle the payment of disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.
Typical disbursements on administration:
Probate Registry Fees (as above)
ID checks on Executors (as above)
Bankruptcy-only Land Charges Department searches (as above)
Approximately £350 plus VAT at 20% for a Post in The London Gazette and local newspaper (as above)
Financial Asset Search £200 plus VAT (estimate) at 20% which will ensure all assets are taken into account
Potential additional costs:
If there is no Will and/or the Estate is subject to an inheritance tax liability, there are 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.
What is not included?
How long will this take?
On average, Estates that fall within this range are dealt with within 4-8 months. Typically, obtaining the Grant of Probate takes 16-20 weeks. Collecting assets then follows, which can take between 4-6 weeks. Once this has been done, we can distribute the assets, which normally takes 2-3 weeks.
Option 3
Consultancy: We can act as consultant to you to assist and support you in administering the Estate. We can check the Probate Forms and answer any questions that you have on the process
How much does this service cost? We will charge on the basis of an hourly rate of £330 per hour plus VAT at 20%