APPLYING FOR A GRANT, COLLECTING AND DISTRIBUTING THE ASSETS.

The exact cost will depend on the individual circumstances of time spent in dealing with the matter and the value of the estate. For example, if there is one beneficiary and no property, costs will be at the lower end of the range or less. If there are multiple beneficiaries, a property and multiple bank accounts, costs will be at the higher end or more depending on the hours spent. There is also a value element taken into account when calculating the fee level.

We handle the full process for you. This quote illustration is for estates where:

• There is a valid Will

• There is no more than one property 

• There are no more than 10 bank or building society accounts 

• There are no other intangible assets

• There are no foreign assets

• There are minimal shareholdings

• There are no more than 5 beneficiaries

• There are no disputes between beneficiaries on division of assets. If disputes arise this is like 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 

Disbursements which may need to be paid in addition to our legal fees include:- 

• Probate application fee of £155 plus 50p per extra copy (subject to change – currently under review by the Court Service)

• £5 swearing of the Oath plus £2 per exhibit (per Executor)

• Bankruptcy search (£2 per beneficiary) 

• Statutory Notices to be placed in the London Gazette and Local Newspaper approx. £200 plus VAT. – This helps to protect against claims from unknown creditors and unexpected beneficiaries

• Certainty Will Search - £95 plus VAT

Disbursements are costs related to your matter which are payable to third parties, such as Court fees.  

Potential additional costs:-

• If there is no Will or the estate consists of any share holdings (stocks and bonds) there is likely to be additional costs which could range significantly depending on the estate and how it is to be dealt with. We can supply a more accurate quote once we have more information.

• Dealing with the sale or transfer of any property in the estate is not included.

On average, estates which fall within this range are finalised within 6-8 months. Typically, obtaining the Grant of Probate takes 6-10 weeks. Collecting assets then follows, which can take a further 6-8 weeks but may depend upon a sale of a property.

Once this has been done, we can distribute the assets which may take a further 2-3 weeks.

We can limit your instructions to obtaining a Grant of Probate only on your behalf.  

We estimate our legal fees in obtaining a Grant only to be between £500 - £750 plus VAT.

Disbursements which may need to be paid are as shown above.

Typically, obtaining a Grant of Probate takes 8-12 weeks.

Our fees include:-

• Identifying the legally appointed Executors or Administrators and beneficiaries

• Obtaining the relevant documents required to make the application 

• Completing the Probate Application and HMRC IHT205 form

• Drafting legal Oath form

• Making application to the Court

• Obtaining the Grant of Probate and securely sending you copies

We are confident that a personal professional and sympathetic service will be provided by our dedicated experienced team.