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. An initial fee estimate will be provided following this consultation and confirmed in writing post instruction when full information about the estate has been provided and we have had an opportunity to assess your particular needs. Updated estimates will be provided where required. Subject to assessing your individual case we may agree to delay invoicing your for our fees until estate assets are available.
A fixed fee option is available in limited cases in simple estates where no inheritance tax is payable. Our fixed fees range from £1,500 to £5,000 plus VAT (current VAT rate is 20%) and disbursements (see below).
Most probate fees are calculated on an hourly rate from £165 for a Grade D fee earner to £300 per hour plus VAT for an experienced Grade A fee earner for time spent working on your file. We do not charge a percentage of the estate in addition to our standard charges.
For a simple estate, our approximate fee range is typically £2,500 to £5,000 plus VAT.
For more complex estates where IHT is payable, our approximate fee range is £5,000 to £10,000 plus VAT. If the estate administration is more complicated charges will be towards the higher end of the range or may exceed this. Examples of this are cases where there are multiple shareholdings, a higher number of beneficiaries, the estate has assets outside the UK, there are issues regarding the validity of the Will or there are disputes within the estate causing the matter to be contentious. If any such problems arise, we will keep you notified in writing and provide you with a new costs estimate.
Our charges include:
- Obtaining your detailed instructions
- Obtaining and reviewing all documents relating to the estate
- Valuation of the estate
- Reporting the estate to HMRC where required
- Payment of Inheritance Tax to HMRC where required
- Application for Grant of Probate/ Letters of Administration
- Securing the release of estate assets
- Placing Trustee Act 1925 Notices where required
- Discharge of estate liabilities and payment of further Inheritance Tax
- Paying legacies
- Preparing estate accounts and distribution of the estate
Our charges do not include conveyancing fees for selling property on behalf of the estate or accountancy fees for dealing with Income Tax or Capital Gains Tax payable by the estate, if applicable. We are able to signpost you to these organisations if those services are required.
Disbursements
Disbursements are costs relating to your matter which are payable to third parties. These are not included within our fees. In all estates valued over £5,000 a probate fee is payable which is currently £300 plus £16 for each additional office copy of the Grant required. Other disbursements (where necessary) may include:
- Land Registry fees for obtaining title deeds – £7 per search
- Asset & Liability Search – £195 plus VAT
- Surveyors property valuation fees – £800 to £1,200 plus VAT
- Placing S.27 Trustee Act Notices for creditors – approx. £350 plus VAT
- Beneficiary ID/ Bankruptcy checks – £4 plus VAT per beneficiary
Timescale
The initial stage collecting information and valuing the estate is likely to take 1 to 2 months. This will depend on how much information and documentation you have collected and are able to pass us at the outset. Following receipt of all relevant information it typically takes 2 to 4 months to report the estate to HMRC (if required) and obtain a Grant of Representation. A further 2 to 4 months is required to finalise collection of assets and distribution of the estate. Much of the probate application process is now digitised and in simple estates where the application remains within this process timescales are likely to be quicker. Cases outside of the digitised process are currently subject to significant delays so the wait for a Grant is likely to be longer.
Our Team
Our Probate team consists of Katherine Angel, Paul Gilbert and Gillian Hutchfull. All of whom are experienced Grade A fee earners. They may be assisted by paralegals, trainees and support staff where required.