Fixed Fee Probate
Applying for the grant, collecting and distributing the assets
Under our full estate administration service, we would usually undertake all work needed to the complete administration of the estate from beginning to end. For a simple estate we would expect this to take between seven and twelve hours work at £250 per hour plus VAT. Total costs estimated at £1,750 – £3,000 plus VAT and disbursements.
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 including obtaining the Grant of Probate on your behalf and undertaking the collection and distribution of assets. This quote is for estates where:
- There is a valid Will or simple intestacy
- There is no more than one property
- There are no more than four bank or building society accounts
- There are no other intangible assets
- There are up to six 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; and
- All assets are in the UK
Disbursements* payable in addition to this fees:
- Probate application fee of £155
- £1.50 for each additional copy of the Grant of Probate (we recommend that you get one copy for each financial institution)
- Bankruptcy only Land Charges Department searches (£2.00 per beneficiary)
- Trustee Act Notice in the London Gazette and a local newspaper – approximately £225, this protects against unexpected claims from unknown creditors.
*Disbursements are costs related to your matter that we pay to third parties on your behalf, such as the probate application fee.
Potential additional costs
- If there is no Will or the estate consists of any share holdings (stocks and bonds) 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.
- Dealing with the sale or transfer of any property in the estate is not included. We can provide a separate fixed fee for dealing with the sale or transfer upon request.
How long will this take?
On average, estates that fall within this range are dealt with within six to nine months. Typically, obtaining the Grant of Probate takes three to six months. Collecting assets then follows, which can take between two to three months. Once this has been done, we can distribute the assets, which normally takes three to six weeks.
Fixed fee Probate
Grant of Probate only – Return of Estate Information Form (IHT205)
We can help you through this difficult process by obtaining the Grant of Probate on your behalf.
Under our fixed fee service, you provide us with all of the financial information in respect of the estate and we complete the legal process on your behalf. We then provide you with the Grant of Probate/Letters of Administration for you to deal with gathering in the assets and distributing the estate yourself.
How much does this service cost?
TOTAL: £1058 to include:-
- Legal fees £750.
- VAT on legal fees £150.
- Probate court fee of £155.00.
- 2 additional copies of the grant £3.00
Potential additional disbursements* if required
- Bankruptcy only Land Charges Department searches (£2.00 per beneficiary).
- Trustee Act Notice in the London Gazette and a local newspaper – approximately £225, this protects against unexpected claims from unknown creditors.
- If additional copies of the grant are required, they will cost £1.50 per copy. You will usually need one copy for each asset.
The scope of the work under this fixed fee covers:
- Providing you with a dedicated and experienced probate lawyer to work on your matter.
- Meeting with you to take instructions and obtain information in relation to the estate and advise on the probate procedure.
- Identifying the legally appointed Executors or Administrators and beneficiaries and discussing any available options as to which Executors/Administrators act.
- Accurately identifying the type of Probate application you will require.
- Obtaining the relevant documents required to make the application.
- Completing the Return of Estate Information Form.
- Drafting a legal statement for you to sign.
- Drafting any Power Reserved Notices to clear off additional Executors if required.
- Meeting with you to approve and sign the paperwork.
- Making the application to the Probate Registry on your behalf.
- Obtaining the Probate and sending copies to you.
How long will this take?
On average, estates that fall within this range are dealt with within one to three months.