1. PROBATE – UNCONTESTED CASES WITH ALL ASSETS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND NO INHERITANCE TAX PAYABLE.
1.1. We can help you through this difficult process by obtaining the Grant of Probate on your behalf. We will also undertake the collecting and distributing of assets.
1.2. How much does this service cost?
As an initial guide we anticipate the full administration of an estate (not subject to Inheritance Tax) will take between 20 and 25 hours work at £177 plus VAT* per hour. Our total costs are estimated to be between £3,540 to £4,425 plus VAT* (at current VAT rates this is between £4,240 -£5,310 in total). The actual cost will vary depending on the complexity of the case. There will also be disbursements – these are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties such as court fees. See below for further information about disbursements.
1.3 How long does it take?
On average, estates that fall within this range are dealt with within 3-6 months. Typically, obtaining the grant of probate takes 3 months. Collecting assets then follows, which can take between 3- 6 months.
Once this has been done, we can distribute the assets, which normally takes 2 months.
This is just an estimate and we will of course be able to give you a more accurate timescale once we have more information and as the matter progresses.
2. PROBATE – UNCONTESTED CASES WITH ALL ASSETS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND INHERITANCE TAX PAYABLE
2.1. What we will do
We will assist in:
a. Obtaining valuations in respect of the estate assets;
b. Preparing the inheritance tax forms
c. Release of funds to pay inheritance tax
d. Filing receipt with the probate registry and obtaining the Grant
2.2. What will it cost?
Our fees are likely to be in the range of £1,500 to £3,500 plus vat plus disbursements to obtain Grant of Probate.
2.3. Post Grant
Once probate is obtained we charge an hourly rate – see below for rates.
The work includes:
2.4. How long will it take?
On average, estates that fall within this range are dealt with within 3-12 months.
This is just an estimate and we will of course be able to give you a more accurate timescale once we have more information and as the matter progresses.
3. Hourly Rates
3.1. Where are our work is charged on an hourly rate basis, our hourly rates will be charged as follows depending on the experience and qualifications of the team member carrying out the work required on your matter:
Team Member | Hourly Rate |
Partner | £350 + vat per hour |
Assistant/Associate | £225 + vat per hour |
Trainee | £175 + vat per hour |
Paralegal | £150 + vat per hour |
3.2. Please note often work carried out will be charged on a combination of these rates depending on which aspect of the work is carried out by whom.
4. Disbursements
4.1. These are costs which are payable to third parties, such as court fees. Once we receive the monies for the disbursements from you we will handle the payment of them on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.
4.2. Disbursements which are in addition to our fees are:
Probate Application Fee | £155 |
Swearing of the oath (via third party solicitor) | £7 per executor |
Land Registry Transfer Fee – to transfer the property into the names of beneficiary | £40 per property |
Bankruptcy Search | £2 + vat per beneficiary |
Advert in The London Gazette – protects against unexpected claims from unknown creditors | £250 |
Advert in the local newspaper – protects against unexpected claims | £100 |
Extra copies of Grant of Probate | 50p for each copy |
5. Potential Additional Costs
5.1. 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.
5.2. Dealing with the sale of any property in the estate is not included.
5.3. Depending on the size of the estate, there may also be inheritance tax payable.
6. Stages of the Probate Process
6.1. Please click here to download the flowchart which will guide you through the steps involved in the probate process.
7. Who will be dealing with my matter?
7.1. The majority of the work that we undertake for clients is carried out by a qualified solicitor who will be assisted by a trainee solicitor, paralegal, legal executive or suitably experienced member of staff. The work will be supervised by a Partner.
8. VAT
8.1. Where applicable, Vat will be charged at the prevailing rate.
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