The Solicitors Regulation Authority requires us to publish certain information about our costs for uncontested probate on our website. We charge this work at an hourly rate (currently £260 plus VAT) but will quote you a fixed fee once we know details of the estate. Our costs range from £1600 for a straightforward estate where we simply obtain the Grant on your behalf to several thousand pounds for full administration of a very complex estate. Please telephone us to discuss your particular circumstances and we will provide an accurate quotation.
We will inform you if any unforeseen additional work becomes necessary that could increase our quotation, for example because further assets are discovered which cause inheritance tax to become payable.
VAT at twenty percent and disbursements (payments that we must make to other parties on your behalf) are not included in our fees. Likely disbursements are:
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| Probate disbursements |
When payable |
Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Probate court fee | On application for Grant | £300 plus £1.50 per copy |
| Notice for Creditors (if required) | Once Grant has been obtained | Approximately £200 – £300 |
| Bankruptcy fees | Before distribution of estate | £2 per beneficiary |
| Foreign bankruptcy fee | Before distribution of estate | Approximately £150 |
| Office copies | Before distribution of estate | £3 |
| Valuation of stocks and shares, property and personal effects | On delivery | Varying |
| Geneologist searches for missing beneficiaries or on intestacy | On delivery | Varying |
| Missing beneficiary insurance | On delivery | Varying |
Key stages & Timescale
Although it is hard to generalise, we set out approximate timescales below. Please be aware that we remain reliant on information from third parties e.g. bank/building societies, registrars and creditors. Therefore, unless we have all the information necessary from such institutions, there can be a delay.
During the administration of the estate, we will update you regularly either by means of telephone, letter or e-mail as you prefer.
You can see more about our wills & probate team on the Our People page.
| Probate Key Stages | Timescale |
|---|---|
| Obtaining probate valuations of all assets and debts
Completing Inheritance Tax Account or Return of Estate Information Preparing Legal Statement for the Probate Registry to be signed by personal representatives Obtaining Grant of representation |
1 – 3 Months |
| Collecting in all assets | 1 – 3 Months from date of Grant |
