Probate fees

Applying for the Grant of Probate only – fixed fee

We can help you through this difficult process by obtaining the Grant of Probate only, on your behalf.

How much does this service cost?

TOTAL : FIXED FEE OF £750 PLUS VAT OF £150 = £900

Where the value of the Estate does not exceed the excepted estate limit/or is twice the excepted estate limit where a transfer of a nil rate is appropriate. When this isn’t the case, we would charge up to £1,400 depending on the amount of work involved.

Disbursements :

• Probate application fee of £273 (plus £1.50 for each copy required).

Disbursements are costs related to the matter that are payable to third parties, such as Court 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 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;
• Complete the Probate Application and the relevant HMRC forms;
• Draft a statement of truth for you to sign;
• Make the application to the Probate Court on your behalf;
• Obtain the Probate and send two copies to you

Applying for the Grant of Probate, collecting and distributing assets.

The length of time the Estate will take to conclude and the exact cost will depend on the individual circumstances. 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, the time taken to conclude the Estate, together with the costs will be at the higher end.

We will handle the full process for you.

Our fees normally work out at between 2% and 3% of the gross value of the Estate, but where an Estate is straightforward, the fees may be less. However, please understand that this is only a general indication and where an Estate is complex, or has many assets, for example, the fees may be higher. Each Estate is as unique as the person whose Estate it is.

The above rates are subject to VAT at the rate of 20%

Disbursements :

These are costs relating to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as Court fees. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process. An example of such disbursements are as follows :

• Probate application fee which is currently £273 (plus £1.50 per copy)
• Bankruptcy only Land Charges Department searches - £2 per beneficiary
• Estimated £150 - £200 – post in The London Gazette (this protects against unexpected claims from unknown creditors. This fee depends on the locality and includes VAT), together with a post in a local newspaper (this also helps to protect against unexpected claims. The fee depends on the number of words and which local paper but an estimate is between £150 to £300 (including VAT)

Potential additional costs :

• If there is no Will or the Estate consists of any share holdings (stocks and bonds), there are likely to be additional costs 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 of transfer of any property in the Estate is not included, but we would be able to provide a quote for this is required.

How long will this take?

How long an Estate takes to complete varies in each individual case. The Grant of Probate can take up to four months to obtain, and the collection of assets can take several months depending on the assets, but we will keep you up to date as the work progresses.