Uncontested Probate

Our fees for dealing with estates are based on an hourly rate.  The work is undertaken by either an Associate Solicitor (Grade C) or a Senior Associate Solicitor (Grade B)  depending on complexity.  Our current hourly rates range from £200.00 to £225.00 per hour plus VAT (charged at 20%).

Completing the administration of a less complex uncontested estate could take between 20 and 30 hours at £225.00 per hour plus VAT (at 20%). Total costs estimated at £4,500.00 – £6,750.00 plus VAT (at 20%) and disbursements. However if the matter is complex more time will be required to undertake the work. We will discuss this with you during the process.

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 range. If there are multiple beneficiaries, at least one property and multiple bank/building society accounts, costs will be at the higher end.

This estimated quote applies to estates where:

• There is a valid will
• There is no more than one property
• There are no more than 10 bank or building society accounts
• There are no other intangible assets
• There are 1-10 beneficiaries
• There are no disputes between beneficiaries on division of assets. If disputes arise this is likely to lead to an increase in costs
• 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

Our Service

We will handle the entire process for you. Our all inclusive service includes:

• Providing you with a dedicated and experienced probate solicitor to work on your matter
• Identifying the legally appointed executors or administrators and beneficiaries
• Accurately identifying the type of Probate application you will require
• Obtaining the relevant documents required to make the application
• Completing the Probate Application and the relevant HMRC forms
• Liaising with asset providers and utility agents
• Drafting a legal oath for you to swear
• Making the application to the Probate Court on your behalf
• Obtaining the Grant of Probate
• Collectin in all assets and administering and distributing the assets

Disbursements

Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as court fees. We  can handle the payment of the disbursements directly on your behalf as part of our service.

Disbursements are not included in the above fee, these are additional costs at the following rates:

• Probate application fee - £273.00
• Copies of Grant of Probate (per copy) - £1.50
• Bankruptcy Searches (per beneficiary) - £2.00
• Notice of Death in the London Gazette (protects against unexpected claims from unknown creditors) - £200.00 - £400.00
• There may be unforeseen disbursements to be expended details of which we will advise you of if and when they arise.

Estates with a Will 

Estates where there is a clear Will will usually require less time to complete as long as the beneficiaries and asset information are readily identifiable. Our fees will be based on the range of hourly rates stated above.

Estates where there is no Will 

If the deceased died without leaving a will, this means there is an intestacy.  Dealing with an intestate estate is more complex and time consuming, particularly where the estate consists of shareholdings (stocks and bonds), real properties and multiple beneficiaries to be located and identified.  Our fees will be based on the range of hourly rates stated above.  We can give you a more accurate quote once we have more information.

Sale or transfer of Real Property comprised in the Estate

The above quotes do not include dealing with the sale or transfer of any freehold or leasehold properties in the estate.  We will be happy to provide you with a quote in this regard.

How long will this take

On average, estates that do not have any property to sell with a Will and no inheritance tax to pay and the Executors and the Beneficiaries all live in the United Kingdom are dealt with within 10 months. Typically, obtaining the Grant of Probate takes at least 4 months. Collecting assets then follows, which can take between 4 to 12 weeks. Once this has been done, we can distribute the assets, which normally takes 2 to 4 weeks.

Estates that are more complex and subject to Inheritance Tax will take longer to obtain the Grant of Probate. Estates that require a property to be sold will also take longer to distribute the assets. Our dedicated Probate solicitor will be on hand to provide you with updates and deal with any concerns you have throughout the process. 

Contested Probate 

Where there is a claim against the estate or against the Executors of the estate, the estate administration becomes more complex and our litigation team may need to be involved. Our fees will be based on the range of hourly rates stated above.  We can give you a more accurate quote once we have more information.