Probate Work
The people who could work on your matter is Grace Noble, a solicitor who is the head of the Private Client team. Mohamed Sheikh, a Solicitor, Matthew Prater, a Chartered Legal Executive, Jessica Markham, a solicitor or Rhian Williams, a Probate Executive.
Our range of costs for uncontested cases where all of the assets are in the UK.
For obtaining a Grant of Probate only:
We anticipate that this will take between 5 and 15 hours at £285 to £305 per hour plus VAT currently at 20%. Total costs are estimated at between £1,425 and £4,575 plus VAT and disbursements (see below). The exact costs will depend on the individual circumstances of the matter. For example if we are provided with full details of assets and
liabilities, including probate valuations and in cases where the shorter form of account (IHT 205) can be submitted, costs will be at the lower end
of the range, while in cases where we are required to obtain full details of assets and liabilities and in cases where the full account (IHT 400) is
required, costs will be at the higher end. This quote is for estates where:
- There is a valid Will
- There are no disputes between the Executors
- There are no claims made against the estate
For dealing with the full administration of the estate:
We anticipate that this will take between 10 and 40 hours at £275 to £300 per hour plus VAT currently at 20%. Total costs are estimated at between £2,500 and £15,000 plus VAT and disbursements (see below).The exact costs will depend on the individual circumstances of the matter. For example if there is one beneficiary and few assets and in cases where the shorter form of account (IHT 205) can be submitted, costs will be at the lower end of the range. If there are multiple beneficiaries, a property and multiple investments and accounts, and in cases where the full account (IHT 400) is required, costs will be towards the higher end. This quote is for estates where:
- There is a valid Will
- There is no more than one property
- There are no more than 6 unmanaged shareholdings
- There are no disputes between beneficiaries regarding the division of the assets. Should disputes arise, an increase in the costs is likely
- There are no claims made against the estate
Disbursements normally charged in probate work include (at current rates):
- Probate application fee of £271 plus 50p for each office copy. This fee is not subject to VAT. We ask for this fee to be provided in advance where possible. The amount of this fee will change in line with legislation from time to time.
- HM Land Registry – Bankruptcy Search fee £2 per beneficiary. This fee is not subject to VAT
- Creditor Notices (The London Gazette) – fee of approximately £80 plus VAT currently at 20%
- Creditor Notices (Local Newspaper) – fee of approximately £200 plus VAT currently at 20%
- Fees for bank transfers to beneficiaries (£12 to £48 plus VAT currently at 20% depending on value and type of transfer)
Potential additional costs:
If there is no Will or there are a large number of unmanaged shareholdings, there may be additional costs, depending on the circumstances. We can provide a more accurate quote when we have more information.
If Tax Returns for reporting income or capital gains are required for the period up to the date of death, or for the administration period (in which case the estate will need to be registered with H M Revenue & Customs) additional charges will apply and details will be provided where appropriate.
Charges for the sale or transfer of any property in the estate are not included and details and quotes will be provided where appropriate.
Dealing with the transfer or sale of any foreign assets is not included.
Timescales:
On average, estates within the above range are administered within 2 to 9 months. Obtaining the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration typically takes between 6 and 15 weeks, depending on how much information is provided at the outset and whether the estate is liable to Inheritance Tax. Collecting the assets then follows, which will usually take between 3 and 8 weeks. We then pay any legacies and liabilities, and provide a Cash Statement or Estate Accounts, before distributing the residue of the estate, which will normally take 3 to 8 weeks.