Probate fees

Once instructed, you matter will be handled by a qualified and experienced solicitor under supervision of one of our director.

You will appreciate that it is very difficult to estimate a likely fee before we know anything about the nature and complexity of a particular estate. 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.

VAT is a government tax that we are required to charge, and will usually be added at 20% to our fees and disbursements, except where we indicate the disbursements are outside the scope of VAT.

Administration of estate 

Our fees for the administration of an estate range between 1% to 4% of the gross value of the estate depending on the complexity of your case and your location. You would be informed of any increase to our estimated fees prior to us carrying out any further work.

1-4% of Gross Estate (minimum fee £2500)
plus hourly rate of £160 – £325 (+20% VAT of £32 – £65)

It is difficult to give an accurate estimate of costs as this does depend on the complexity of the estate which in turn varies depending on the size of the estate, the type of assets held, the number and type of beneficiary etc. The costs can range anywhere between £2,500 – £15,000 (+20% VAT of £500 – £3,000) for a complex case. It can take 3 – 6 months to receive a grant of probate for a standard matter and then a further 6 – 12 months to conclude matters. More complex cases can take between 18 – 24 months to conclude. We will give a full estimate of costs and likely timescales at the start of the matter.

Breakdown of costs: 

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:

• Probate court fee: £155 (plus £15 for 10 copies);
• Bankruptcy-only Land Charges Department Searches: £2 per beneficiary;
• Post in The London Gazette: £71.00, which protects against unexpected claims from unknown creditors;
• Post in a Local Newspaper: £110, which also helps to protect against unexpected claims.

What services are included? 

• 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;
• Draft a statement of truth;
• Make the application to the Probate Court on your behalf;
• Obtain the Probate and securely send two copies to you;
• Collect and distribute all assets in the estate.

How long will this take? 

Each case is individual and can differ in the time it takes to settle. This also depends on the timescales for applications of HMRC and the Probate Registry which are out of our control.

Applying for the grant, collecting and distributing the assets

How much does this service cost?

Our hourly rates range from £220 to £300 (+20% VAT of £32 – £65) depending on the complexity of your case, the experience of the lawyer and your location. 

The exact cost will depend on the individual circumstances of the matter.

Please contact us for a quote tailored to your circumstances.

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 included in this fee:

• Probate application fee: £155;
• Bankruptcy-only Land Charges Department Searches: £2 per beneficiary;
• Post in The London Gazette: £71.00, which protects against unexpected claims from unknown creditors;
• Post in a Local Newspaper: £110, which also helps to protect against unexpected claims.

Potential additional costs 

• If there is no will or the estate consists of any share holdings (stocks and bonds) there is 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.
• Dealing with the sale or transfer of any property in the estate is not included.

How long will this take? 

Each case is individual and can differ in the time it takes to settle. This also depends on the timescales for applications of HMRC and the Probate Registry which are out of our control.