Probate Fees Estimate

Applying for the grant, collecting and distributing the assets

We anticipate this will take between 10 and 25 hours work at £230 per hour plus VAT at 20%. Total costs estimated at £2,300 - £5,750 (+VAT at 20%).

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, a property and multiple bank accounts, costs will be at the higher end.

We will handle the full process for you. This fees estimate is for estates where:

• There is a valid will
• There is no more than one property
• There are no more than 4 bank or building society accounts
• There are no other intangible assets
• There are 1-4 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

Disbursements included in this fee (where applicable VAT is included at 20%):

• Probate application fee of £155 plus £1.50 for each copy supplied
• Bankruptcy and Land Charges Department searches (£2.40 per beneficiary)
• £220 Advert in The London Gazette and Local Newspaper – Protects executors against unexpected claims from unknown creditors.

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.

Potential causes of additional time spent on the administration which results in additional cost

• Ambiguous Wills
• Beneficiaries / Personal Representatives based abroad
• Bankrupt Beneficiaries or Personal Representatives
• Trusts in Wills
• Contested probate matters where any part of the probate is contested by the Beneficiary or the Personal Representatives
• Family disputes over assets
• DWP investigations
• Inheritance Tax, Capital Gains Tax or Income Tax advice
• Assets without clear title
• Tracing of Beneficiaries/Personal Representatives
• Appointment of Attorneys for Personal Representatives
• Minor Beneficiaries
• Overseas assets

How long will this take?

On average, estates that fall within this range are dealt with within 6-12 months. Typically, obtaining the grant of probate takes 2-4 months. Collecting assets then follows, which can take between 1-4 months. Once this has been done, we can distribute the assets, which normally takes 1-4 months.

The work undertaken will be charged at the hourly rate of the fee earner conducting the case.

Fee Earner	Role	Hourly Rate
H. P. Burstall	Solicitor, Consultant	£270 + VAT
P. Dimbleby	Head of Department, Solicitor	£230 + VAT
C. H. Moore	Solicitor, Partner	£230 + VAT
A. Wilson	Senior Solicitor	£230 + VAT
A, Sugarman	Private Client Executive	£195 + VAT
B. Naylor	Solicitor Apprentice	£170 + VAT

 

In addition to the fees quoted above VAT will be charged at the applicable rate which is currently 20%.