Our probate work is charged on a time basis, we do not charge a percentage of the value of the estate involved.

Fees tend to fall into three main bands as follows:

1. We obtain the grant of probate; the executors or administrators undertake the collection and distribution of the assets. This is only really appropriate for estates where there are a small number of assets, or where a grant is only required in connection with the sale of a property. Our fees for this are likely to be between £600 and £1,500 plus VAT and disbursements (excluding costs in connection with the sale of a property).
2. We obtain the grant of probate and undertake the collection and distribution of the assets for an estate where inheritance tax is not payable. Our fees for this are likely to be between £2,000 and £6,000 plus VAT and disbursements (excluding costs in connection with the sale of a property).
3. We obtain the grant of probate and undertake the collection and distribution of the assets for an estate where inheritance tax is payable and/or a full statement has to be submitted to HMRC. Our fees for this are likely to be between £5,500 and £9,500 plus VAT and disbursements (excluding costs in connection with the sale of a property).

Our probate team allocates work so that it is done in the most cost efficient manner for the client. 

The charge out rates for members of the team are:

 £200.00 per hour -    Mrs Nadine Waldron – Solicitor/Partner
£150.00 per hour -    Mrs Claire Morgan – Chartered Legal Executive       
 £140.00 per hour -    Miss Natalie Hutchinson – Clerk
£80.00 per hour -      Miss Amy Wells - Secretary

Sales or transfers of property are charged at our normal conveyancing rates; an estimate will be provided before work is started on a sale.

The exact cost will depend on the individual circumstances of the matter. For example, if there is one beneficiary and no property and only one or two bank accounts, 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 would of course let you know as the case progresses if fees are likely to exceed the estimated figure.

Unless we are only obtaining the grant, we will handle the full process for you.

The band 2 estimate is for estates where:

     There is a straightforward valid will
     There is no more than one property

    There are no trusts involved
     There are no more than 2 or 3 bank or building society accounts
     There are no other intangible assets (e.g. shares, business interests etc)
     There are 1 to 3 beneficiaries
     There are no disputes between beneficiaries on division of assets. If disputes arise this will lead to an increase in costs
     There are no claims made against the estate

    There is no inheritance tax payable

    The full HMRC IHT form is not required.

Disbursements payable in addition to our fees:

     Probate application fee of £273.
     Bankruptcy-only Land Charges Department searches (£2 per name searched).
    Statutory notices in the London Gazette and a Local Newspaper vary between £150 to £250 together. These protect against unexpected claims from unknown creditors.
     
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.

Potential additional costs

If there is no will or the estate consists of any share holdings (stocks and bonds) 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 quotation once we have more information.

If any additional copies of the grant are required, they will cost £1.50 each (1 per asset usually).

Dealing with the sale or transfer of any property in the estate is not included.

How long will this take?

On average, band 2 estates are dealt with within 6 to 9 months or so long as it takes the house to sell.  Typically, obtaining the grant of probate takes 3 to 4 months from receipt of formal instructions. Collecting assets then follows, which can take between 2 weeks to 2 months. Once debts and any legacies have been paid we usually pay out on account. The estate can be wound up and the final balance paid when everything has been finalised and the estate account signed off.