Probate

If you have recently suffered a bereavement our caring team can provide you with the advice and assistance you need to deal with the administration and probate of your loved one’s estate.

We can provide as much or as little assistance as you and your family need. The prices below illustrate the levels of assistance we offer.

Dealing with probate application only
If you would like us to prepare an application for a Grant using the information that you have gathered and then submit it to the Probate Registry on your behalf, our charges will depend on the size and nature of the estate.  Typically, our estimates will fall within a range as follows:

• simple estate, no IHT return required £800 to £1,500 plus VAT
• more complex estate, IHT return required £1,500 to £2,500 plus VAT
• more complex estate, IHT payable £2,500 to £4,000 plus VAT

Dealing with probate – applying for the Grant, collecting and distributing the assets
Estates vary widely in terms of their size and complexity.  There may be multiple beneficiaries, property and multiple bank accounts, for example.  IHT may or may not be payable.  Typically, our estimates will fall within a range as follows:-

• straightforward case, no IHT return required £2,000 to £5,000 plus VAT
• medium complexity chase, IHT return required £5,000 to £10,000 plus VAT
• complex case £10,000 to £30,000 plus VAT

We use hourly rates to calculate our fees. Our private client team have hourly rates that range from £165 to £325 plus VAT. We will tell you at the outset who will be carrying out the work and their particular rate. We will give you an estimate of cost based on the time we think it will take and provide regular updates to confirm that we are working to that estimate. Unlike other firms, we do not charge on a percentage of the value of the assets.

There would also be disbursements, for example:

• Probate Court Fee £273 plus £1.50 per copy (no VAT)
• Post in the London Gazette and local newspaper approx. £310 (no VAT)

The current rate of VAT is 20%

More Information [PDF]

Want to know more?

• Administrative Disputes
• Challenging a Will
• Deed of Variation
• Immediate steps following the death of a friend or relative
• Transferring the nil rate band

Related Pages

• Making a Will
• Administrative Disputes
• Challenging a Will
• Trusts and Tax