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 quote is for estates where:
- There is a valid will
- There is no more than one property
- There are no more than 5 bank or building society accounts with different institutions
- There are 1-3 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 sub
- mit a full account to HMRC
- There are no claims made against the estate
- The executor is not a partner in the firm
Disbursements in addition to this fee:
- Probate application fee of £300, any additional copies of the grant cost £1.50 each (1 per asset usually).
- Bankruptcy-only Land Charges Department searches (£2 per beneficiary)
- £70-80 + VAT - Post in The London Gazette – Protects against unexpected claims from unknown creditors.
- £150-250 + VAT – Post in a Local Newspaper – This also helps to protect against unexpected claims.
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 additional costs
- If there is no will, the estate consists of any share holdings (stocks and bonds) or is subject to inheritance tax, there are likely to be additional costs that could range significantly depending on the estate and how it is to be dealt with. We can give you a more accurate quote once we have more information.
- If the executor is a partner of this firm there will be additional costs, we will give you a more accurate quote once we have more information.
- Dealing with the sale or transfer of any property in the estate is not included. This will be charged as a separate fee.
How long will this take?
On average, estates that fall within this range are dealt with within 12-18 months (depending on whether Trustee Notices are placed (2 months) and whether the executors protect themselves from claims from unknown beneficiaries (6 months from the date the Grant of Probate is issued). Typically, obtaining the Grant of Probate takes 12-18 weeks. Collecting assets then follows, which can take between 6-12 weeks. Once this has been done, we can distribute the assets, which normally takes 4-6 weeks.
Applying for Grant only
Probate
We can help you through this difficult process by obtaining the Grant of Probate on your behalf. This will be under a limited retainer where we are instructed to obtain the Grant of Probate only.
How much does this service cost?
| Total: | Grant only when no IHT is payable and no necessity to submit IHT400s : £1,000 - £1,250 plus VAT |
| Grant only when IHT is payable and we prepare IHT400s based on information provided by the client - £2,000 - £3,000 plus VAT |
This includes: preparing the paperwork in order to obtain the grant.
Breakdown of costs:
Legal fees - £850 (simple estate) or £1100 - £1500 (more complex estate)
VAT on legal fees - £170 (simple estate) or £220 - £300 (more complex estate)
Disbursements:
- Probate application fee of £300, any additional copies of the grant cost £1.50 each (1 per asset usually).
- £70-80 + VAT - Post in The London Gazette – Protects against unexpected claims from unknown creditors.
- £150-250 + VAT – Post in a Local Newspaper – This also helps to protect against unexpected claims.
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.
As part of our fixed fee we will:
- Provide you with a dedicated and experienced probate solicitor to work on your matter
- Identify the legally appointed executors or administrators and beneficiaries
- Accurately identify the type of Probate application you will require
- Complete the Probate Application and the relevant HMRC forms
- Draft a statement of truth for you to swear
- Make the application to the Probate Court on your behalf
- Obtain the Probate and send copies to you
On average, estates that fall within this range are dealt with within 1-2 months. Typically, obtaining the Grant of Probate from the Probate Registry takes 3-10 weeks.