Probate FEES: Range of costs for Estate Administration
Your probate work will be carried our by our Miss Burgundy-Davis Solicitor.
Her supervisor is Miss Margaret Banks, Solicitor and Principal of the Firm.
Applying for the grant, collecting and distributing the assets
The exact cost will depend on the individual circumstances. Factors include the number of assets and whether there is a property, multiple bank accounts as well as whether there are multiple beneficiaries.
We will handle the full process for you. The quote provided is for Estates where
- There is an original valid Will
- There is only one property
- There is only one bank or building society account
- There are no other intangible assets
- There is one beneficiary
- There is no Inheritance Tax payable and the Executors do not need to submit a full account to HMRC
- There are no claims made against the Estate
Legal Fees
We charge 1% of the gross value of the Estate plus an hourly fee for work undertaken. We anticipate this will take between 10 and 16 hours work at up to £210 per hour ranging from £2,100 to £3,360 (plus VAT 20% £420.00 to £672.00 = £2500.20 to £4032.00).
Our service includes
• establishing the value of and dealing with assets such as building society accounts, investment portfolios and shares
• establishing the value and dealing with liabilities
• completing the relevant tax documentation
• preparing the Oath and associated documents for the application for the Grant
• where the Estate includes property, assisting you with obtaining a valuation for the property (in the event that you instruct us in relation to the sale of such property a separate conveyancing fee will be charged)
• on receipt of the Grant drawing in the Estate
• corresponding with the beneficiaries and paying legacies
• managing risk for the personal representatives by dealing with Trustee Act notices and Bankruptcy searches
• ensuring Inheritance Tax and any other taxes are paid
• preparing draft and final Estate accounts for your approval
| Disbursements - additional fees | |
|---|---|
| Probate Application Fee (includes four copies) | £155 Non VATable |
| x4 Official Copy Letters of Administration (plus £1.50 per copy) | £6.00 Non VATable |
| Bankruptcy Search Fee (per beneficiary) | £2 Non VATable |
| Post in the London Gazette – Protects against unexpected claims from known creditors | £69.50 (plus VAT 20% £13.90 = £83.40) |
| Local Newspaper – This also helps to protect from unexpected claims | £60-£150 (plus VAT 20% £10.00-£30.00 = £60.00-£100.00) |
| Land Registry Search Fee | £6.00 Non VATable |
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.
How long will this take?
We would estimate this to take up to 6 months. Typically, obtaining the grant of probate takes 8- 12 weeks. Collecting assets then follows, which can take between 6-9 weeks. Once this has been done, we can distribute the assets, which normally takes 2-4 weeks.
The time periods depend on how long it takes to get valuations and the information we are provided with at the outset of the matter, and also presumes that there are no enquiries made by the Probate Registry.
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 provide you with details of such fees once we have information.
- If any additional copies of the grant are required, they will cost £1.50p each (1 per asset usually).
- Dealing with the sale or transfer of any property in the Estate is not included.
- If there are disputes between beneficiaries on division of assets this will lead to an increase in costs.
- If there are missing beneficiaries or Executors.
- If there is a claim made against the Estate from a potential beneficiary or even the DWP.
- If the Estate is insolvent.
Probate: Fixed Fee for Grant Only Application
We can also help you through this difficult process by obtaining the Grant of Probate only on your behalf for a fixed fee. We will not undertake the collecting and distributing of assets in this case.
The quote provided is to obtain the Grant of Probate based on the information you provide on non-taxable Estates only.
As part of our fixed fee we will:
- Provide you with a dedicated and experienced probate solicitor to work on your matter
- Accurately identify the type of Probate application you will require
- Prepare the relevant documents required to make the application
- Complete the Probate Application
- Make the application to the Probate Court on your behalf
- Obtain the Grant of Probate
How long will this take?
On average, Estates that fall within this range are dealt with within 2-3 months.
| Fixed Fee for Grant Only Application | |
|---|---|
| Legal Fees | £1,500.00 (plus VAT 20%) |
| Disbursements | |
| Probate Court Fee | £151 |
| x4 Official Copy Grants (plus £1.50 per copy) | £6 |
| Estimated Costs | £1,957.00 |
Your probate work will be carried out by our Miss Burgundy-Davis a solicitor with 15 years PQE ( Post qualifying experience ).
Her supervisor is Miss Margaret Banks, solicitor and Principal of the firm with 40 years PQE.
Please click below to see our complaints process:
SRA no. 00428574.
07723 70 71 72 (24 hour emergency number)