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Probate Pricing

Probate Pricing can vary depending upon the time spent and complexity of the matter.

Below is an example of a relatively straightforward matter

Applying for the Grant, collecting and distributing the assets.

We anticipate this will take between 20 -40 hours work at £275 per hour plus VAT at 20%. Total costs estimated at £5,000 – £7000 (+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 quote is for estates where:

  • There is a valid will
  • There is no more than one property
  • There are no more than 3 bank or building society accounts
  • There are no other intangible assets
  • 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 submit a full account to HMRC
  • There are no claims made against the estate
  • There are no complex trusts involved

Disbursements typically payable are as follows

  • Probate application fee of £300.00 (no VAT) if the estate is over £5000
  • If the estate is under £5000, then there is no probate application fee to the Probate Registry
  • You can obtain additional copies of the probate document for £1.50 (no VAT) each
  • £7.00 (no VAT) per HMLR Office Copy of each property
  • If you wish to make a second application after the probate documentation has already been granted then it costs £20.00. For example if you wish to apply as executor after holding ‘power reserved’ on the first application. You will have to pay this fee even if the value of the estate is £5000 or less
  • You may be able to get help with fees if you are on a low income or on certain benefits (you will need to let us know asap)
    £5 Swearing of the oath £2.00 per exhibit (per executor) (NO VAT ON THESE FEES)
  • Bankruptcy-only Land Charges Department searches (£6 per beneficiary) (NO VAT ON THESE FEES)
  • Approximately £200-600.00 to Post in The London Gazette – Protects against unexpected claims from unknown creditors. (VAT WILL BE ADDED ON TOP OF THIS FEE USUALLY, WE WILL CONFIRM THIS TO YOU WITH THE QUOTE WE RECEIVE) 
  • £200-600 to Post in a Local Newspaper – This also helps to protect against unexpected claims. (VAT WILL BE ADDED ON TOP OF THIS FEE USUALLY, WE CONFIRM THIS TO YOU)

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.

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 16 weeks. Collecting assets then follows, which can take between 4-20 weeks. Once this has been done, we can distribute the assets, which normally takes 4-12 weeks.

Potential additional costs

If there is no will or the estate consists of any share holdings (stocks and bonds) there is 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 there are more complex issues to review, such as assets held in a family trust then additional fees shall be incurred, and we will discuss this further upon review of all the documentation.
If any additional copies of the grant are required, they will cost £1.50 (1 per asset usually).
Dealing with the sale or transfer of any property in the estate is not included.

Taxes Payable

You will need to consider the following (but not limited to) list of taxes that may be payable from the estate.