When a loved one dies many people find it reassuring and helpful to ask a Solicitor to help them deal with the Estate. Sometimes we are asked to deal with the Estate from start to finish – obtaining the grant of representation, collecting, and distributing assets, (either in accordance with the Deceased’s Will or according to the laws of intestacy, if there is no Will) and completing all the administration of the Estate. In other situations, we may be asked to obtain the grant of representation only and our clients deal with the Estate without further help and guidance from us.
In every case our fees are calculated on a time spent basis. Each Solicitor in our team has an hourly charging rate of £300.00 plus VAT. Once we have obtained full details about the estate, we will provide you with a written estimate of our costs. However, the general information set out below may be of help to you.
The Probate service we deliver is undertaken by Solicitors who have a minimum of eight years experience in dealing with Estate Administration.
Applying for the grant, collecting, and distributing the assets
We anticipate this will take between 8 and 15 hours of work at £300.00 plus VAT per hour. Total costs estimated at £2,400.00 to £4,500.00 plus VAT.
Our fees will depend on the individual circumstances of the Estate. 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. In some cases, there are foreign assets, or complex business arrangements which will add to the time spent and increase the costs.
We can handle the full process for you. The estimate above assumes:
- There is a valid Will and no more than two Executors (in the case of intestacy no more than two personal representatives)
- There is only one mortgage free property
- There are no more than 3 bank or building society accounts
- There are no intangible assets
- There are no more than 2 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
Where the Estate is more complex we will provide a case plan and discuss our costs with you to ensure you are informed.
Disbursements to be paid in addition to our fees:
- Probate Application Court Fee £300.00 (plus £16.00 for each additional copy)
- Bankruptcy Searches – £7.80 per beneficiary
Applying for the Grant only
Our fixed fee is obtaining a grant will be in the region of £1,400.00 plus VAT. This is on the assumption that the personal representatives do not have to submit a full account to HMRC (usually when Inheritance Tax is payable) and there are no issues in dispute. The Court fees are payable in addition to our fees.
Please contact us for a more precise estimate depending upon your specific instructions.
