Probate
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.
How much does this service cost?
If there is no inheritance tax
TOTAL: fixed fee of £3,000 to £5,000 plus VAT (£600 to £1,000)
If there is inheritance tax to pay
TOTAL: fixed fee of £5,000 to £8,000 plus VAT (£1,200 to £1,600)
This includes: obtaining the Grant, collecting assets and distributing them.
Disbursements:
- Probate application fee of £300(no VAT) plus £1.50 per additional copy of the Grant or Letters of Administration.
- Bankruptcy-only Land Charges Department searches (£2 per beneficiary).
- £375 Plus VAT approximately Post in The London Gazette – Protects against unexpected claims from unknown creditors.
Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as Probate Registry 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
- Obtain the relevant documents required to make the application
- Complete the Probate Application and the relevant HMRC forms
- Make the application to the Probate Registry on your behalf
- Obtain the Probate and securely send two copies to you
- Collect and distribute all assets in the estate
Average time to complete
Estates that fall within this range are dealt with within 6 to 12 months. Typically, obtaining the Grant of Probate takes 3 to 4 months, however we have been informed it is now taking the Probate Registry a minimum of 16-20 weeks to issue Grants upon receipt of the application. Collecting assets and settling liabilities can take between 2 to 4 months. If inheritance tax is due, we must first lodge the Inheritance Tax Return at HMRC and then wait a period of 20 working days before then lodging the application to include the Legal Statement and original will to the Probate Registry. The above referenced timescales would apply. It can usually take between 5 to 8 months to receive clearance from HMRC. Once this has been received, we can distribute the assets, which normally takes 1 to 2 months.
Potential additional costs:
If the estate consists of any share holdings (stocks and bonds) and has more than five bank accounts and four beneficiaries 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.
- CGT implications
- Preparation of Deed of Variation, Declaration of Trusts and Deed of Renunciation.
- Assets abroad
- Dealing with the sale of any property in the estate is not included.
- Requirement to claim Residential Nil Band
- Search for missing beneficiary’s estate
- Foreign domicile issues
Applying for the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration
Fixed fee of £750 plus VAT (£150) plus £300 Probate fee plus 3 copies of the Grant £4.50 = £1,204.50
Wills
Standard Will £250.00 plus VAT
Mirror Wills £350.00 plus VAT
Asset Protection £450.00 plus VAT (nursing care home fees/2nd wife)
Severance £250.00 plus VAT
Plus, disbursements usually limited to obtaining office copy entries from the Land Registry which cost £3.00
AT A DISTANCE
£250.00 plus VAT (£50) – STANDARD
£350.00 plus VAT (£70) – MIRROR WILLS
£450.00 plus VAT (£90) – ASSET PROTECTION WILLS
LPAS
At a distance
1 X LPA £300.00 plus VAT (£60) AND OPG FEES
2 X LPA £350.00 plus VAT (£70) AND OPG FEES
4 X LPA £450.00 plus VAT (£90) AND OPG FEES
Disbursements limited to OPG application fees of £82 per application
Rolls Royce Service
If we are to be certifier
1 x LPA £375.00 plus VAT
2 X LPA £600.00 plus VAT
4 X LPA £1000.00 plus VAT
Disbursements limited to OPG application fees of £82 per application
Court of Protection
Deputyship Order relating to property affairs £950 plus VAT (£190)
Disbursements limited to Court application fee of £371 per application
