Pricing Information
Fixed Rate Probate Application
Preparing the Probate Application and, if required, Return to HMRC.
Applying for the grant only
Our average standard legal fees for an uncontested probate instruction are set out below:
- If we are instructed to just obtain a Grant of Probate and there is no requirement to file an Inheritance Tax Account with HMRC, our fees will usually be between £1,500- £3,000 plus VAT plus disbursements.
- If we are instructed to file an Inheritance Tax Account with HMRC and to obtain a Grant of Probate, but there is no Inheritance Tax payable to HMRC, our fees will usually be between £2,500- £4,000 plus VAT plus disbursements.
- If we are instructed to file an Inheritance Tax Account with HMRC and to obtain a Grant of Probate, and there is Inheritance Tax payable to HMRC, our fees will usually be between £4,000- £10,000 plus VAT plus disbursements.
Our above, estimated fees, will usually be higher if there is no valid Will and a Grant of Letters of Administration needs to be extracted, but this will depend on circumstances.
It is difficult to provide an accurate fee estimate without first establishing the nature of our instructions and the nature and extent of the deceased’s estate. For example, a relatively low value estate with various assets, located throughout the world, will usually result in a higher fee estimate than a much higher value estate comprising a house, two bank accounts and one shareholding in the UK. Whilst the value of the deceased’s estate will be a factor when estimating our likely fees, it is not the only factor.
Once we have been made aware of the nature and extent of the deceased’s estate, we will be able to provide you with a more accurate fee estimate.
In order to comply with the Money Laundering Provisions a charge of £30 plus VAT is made to verify the identity of each client.
The exact cost will depend on the individual circumstances of the matter.
This quote is for estates where:
- There is a valid Will
- There is no more than one property
- There are no more than 5 bank or building society accounts
- There are no more than 3 shareholdings
- There are no other intangible assets
- There are no more than 2 proving executors
- There are no disputes between the executors
- There is no inheritance tax payable and the executors do not need to submit a full account to HMRC
- There are no claims against the estate.
Disbursements in addition to this fee
- Probate application fee of £273
- Copies of grant at £1.50 per copy
- Land Registry search fee of £3 plus VAT
- Unclaimed Asset Search fee of £25
Disbursements are costs related to your matters that are payable to third parties, such as court fees. We handle the payment of disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.
How long will it take:
On average the papers will be ready to sign within two working weeks of receiving all the information from you.
It is taking around 8 weeks for the Probate Registry to return the Grant of Probate to us.
Probate Applications and Administration of Estate
We can help you through this difficult process. We can identify the steps needed to collect and collate the necessary information and prepare the papers including the Inland Revenue Account and Statement of Truth, apply for the grant and deal with the administration of the estate.
Our costs are based on a time basis and charged at an hourly rate of £325 per hour plus VAT.
To comply with the money laundering provisions a charge of £30 plus VAT is made to verify each client’s identity.
The cost of the probate service depends upon the amount and type of assets and complexity of the Will.
Generally the costs range between £2,500 - £10,000 plus VAT. The more varied and complex assets in the estate or the more complex Will then costs can be higher than this. You will be provided with a cost estimate at the onset of your matter.
Disbursements in addition to this fee:
- As above
- Bankruptcy – only land charges department search £4 per beneficiary
- Advertisements in the London Gazette and in a local newspaper to protect against claims from unknown creditors or claims against the estate in the region of £300 plus VAT
Potential additional costs:
- If there is no Will or the estate consists of any shareholdings (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.
- If complex Income Tax returns or Capital Gains Tax calculations are required, these may be referred to an accountant which will incur further costs.
How long will it take:
This depends on the type of assets and the complexity of the estate. The estate administration can be delayed if it takes time for a property to be sold. Typically probate and the administration can take between 9-18 months, although some can take longer.