Probate
As every estate is different we are happy to offer a free initial consultation or, if you prefer, to discuss the matter with you over the telephone.
A fixed fee option is available in some cases where, for example, the size of the estate is such that no Inheritance Tax is payable. Our fixed fees start at £1,000 plus VAT and disbursements. Disbursements are payments we make on your behalf to others, e.g. a court fee on the application for a grant of probate which is currently £155. Within the fixed fee we will complete the basic Inheritance Tax account, apply for the grant of probate or letters of administration and deal with administration of the estate. An hourly rate option, as detailed below, is also available.
For estates where Inheritance Tax is payable and/or where a much more detailed Inheritance Tax Account needs to be submitted to H M Revenue & Customs our fees are calculated on an hourly rate of £250 plus VAT and disbursements. We will provide you with an estimate of the costs once we have had an opportunity to assess your particular needs. In these cases we will calculate the tax due and advise you as to your tax options. We will complete the Inheritance Tax Accounts, if necessary arrange for payment of the tax and apply for and obtain grant of probate or letters of administration. We can then administer the estate to final distribution. As an example a simple estate may take between 5 and 10 hours of work. A simple estate might be defined as one where there is a valid will, no more than one property, does not have multiple bank accounts or shareholdings, there are no disputes likely between beneficiaries on division of assets and no claims are made against the estate.
Following receipt of all relevant information a simple estate may typically take 2 – 4 months to complete whereas complex estates can take much longer. Timescales for dealing with more complex estates may depend on what is in the estate and what you instruct us to do with it. We shall provide you with a clear timescale when we have had an opportunity to assess your needs.
Our probate team consists of Paul Gilbert and Katherine Angel. Paul is a Consultant at this firm. He qualified in 1986. He has many years’ experience in private client work. He has dealt with estates worth in excess of £10 million. Katherine is a Senior Solicitor and qualified in 1997. She has experience dealing with estates both complex and simple. All work undertaken by other staff is under the direct supervision of a qualified Senior Solicitor.
For further information please contact Paul or Katherine on 020 7254 6205 or email pg@dowse.co.uk or ka@dowse.co.uk