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Probate lawyers

Applying for the grant of probate, collecting and distributing the assets


When taking on the above we will:

  • Provide you with a dedicated and experienced probate solicitor/practitioner to work on your matter
  • Identify the legally appointed executors or administrators and beneficiaries
  • Accurately identify the type of probate application you will require
  • Ascertain the assets and liabilities of the estate
  • Obtain the relevant documents required to make the application for probate
  • Complete the probate application and the relevant HMRC forms
  • Draft the probate papers for you to sign
  • Arrange for the payment of any inheritance tax
  • Make the application to the probate court on your behalf
  • Obtain the probate and securely send copies to you
  • Collect the estate assets and discharge estate liabilities
  • Ensure all income tax matters are settled with HMRC
  • Prepare estate accounts
  • Make final distributions

The exact costs of dealing with the above will depend on the individual circumstances of the matter, and the time spent by the lawyer(s) dealing with the matter, contracted at these hourly rates:

Simon Cook                £285 + VAT

Rachel Sugden           £255 + VAT

Laura Stone                £255 + VAT

Tom O’Riordan            £255 + VAT

Janine Guthrie            £230 + VAT

Miranda Hawkes         £230 + VAT

Susie Jones                £230 + VAT

Jennifer Cockett         £230 + VAT

Sian Devereux-Renny  £200 + VAT

Katie Norfolk              £130 + VAT

Abigail Waldron          £130 + VAT

Paralegal                 £100 + VAT

Details of the experience and qualification of each member of our team can be found on our Who’s Who page. Work undertaken in the department is supervised by the department head, Simon Cook.

By way of example, we would anticipate that it would take between 11 and 13 hours work at £175 per hour (total costs of £1,925-£2,275 (plus VAT) to handle a simple estate. This quote would apply to estates where:

  • There is a valid will
  • There is no more than one house/flat
  • There is no more than 3 bank or building society accounts
  • There are no other assets
  • There are no more than 2-3 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 (read more about disputing a will & inheritance).

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 house/flat in the estate is not included in the above estimate.

Other expenses (payable to third parties)

  • Probate application fee of £155 (current fee)
  • If any additional copies of the grant are required, they will cost 50p each (1 per asset usually)
  • Bankruptcy-­only Land Charges Department searches (£2 per beneficiary per distribution)
  • Approximately £100 for a notice in The London Gazette – Protects against unexpected claims from unknown creditors
  • Approximately £100 for a notice in a local newspaper – This also helps to protect against unexpected claims
  • Approximately £450 plus VAT for a property valuation by a RICS qualified surveyor.

How long will this take?

On average, estates that fall within this range are dealt with within approximately 12 months. Typically, obtaining the grant of probate takes 3-4 months. Collecting assets then follows and once this has been done, we can distribute the assets.

Applying for the grant of probate only

If you would prefer to undertake some of the work yourself, you can choose to instruct us to complete just part of the process for you.

We can help you through this difficult process by obtaining the grant of probate on your behalf, on the basis that you provide us with all the necessary information and will be responsible for the payment of any inheritance tax that may be due, collection of assets, payment of liabilities and making distributions.

How much does this service cost?

  • For estates where Form IHT205 is required: a total fixed fee of £1,050 (plus VAT)
  • For estates where Form IHT400 is required: a total fixed fee of £2,450 (plus VAT)

As part of our fixed fee we will:

  • Provide you with a dedicated and experienced probate solicitor to work on your matter
  • Complete the probate application and the relevant HMRC forms
  • Draft the probate papers for you to sign
  • Make the application to the probate court on your behalf
  • Obtain the probate and securely send copies to you

Typically, obtaining the grant of probate takes 10-12 weeks.

Breakdown of costs:

  • Legal fees £1,050
  • VAT on legal fees £210

Other expenses (payable to third parties)

  • Probate court fee of £155 (current fee)
  • If any additional copies of the grant are required, they will cost 50p each (1 per asset usually).

Can we help you?

If you would like to find out more or would like to instruct us, please get in touch.

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