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Probate Pricing

Grant of Probate – Application Only

Our fees are based on the hourly rates of the staff working on your case and the amount of time they spend. The exact costs will depend on the individual circumstances of the matter.

Hourly charge out rates (excluding VAT):

  • £300 per hour for solicitors with over 8 years of Post Qualification Experience (PQE)
  • £250 per hour for solicitors with over 4 years of PQE
  • £200 per hour for solicitors with less than 4 years of PQE
  • £150 per hour for paralegals and trainee solicitors

In straightforward cases, we may offer fixed fees. When we provide a quote, we will clarify whether it is an estimate or a fixed fee. All rates exclude VAT at 20%.

Where No Inheritance Tax (IHT) is Payable and/or a Full IHT Account is Not Required:

  • Fees range from £1,250 to £2,000 plus VAT (£1,500 to £2,400) plus disbursements.
  • An average fee is £1,800 plus VAT (£2,160) plus disbursements.

Where Inheritance Tax (IHT) is Payable and/or a Full IHT Account is Required:

  • Fees range from £2,200 to £3,000 plus VAT (£2,760 to £3,600) plus disbursements.
  • An average fee is £2,500 plus VAT (£3,000) plus disbursements.

For the quoted fee, we will:

  • Provide an experienced Probate solicitor.
  • Obtain your detailed instructions.
  • Identify the type of Probate application required.
  • Complete the Probate application and relevant HMRC forms.
  • Liaise with HMRC regarding any IHT due.
  • Make the application to the Probate Registry on your behalf.

As the Executor or Administrator, you will need to gather information from financial institutions for the probate application. We will then use this information to prepare the necessary tax forms and documents. Once the grant is obtained, our retainer will end. The costs quoted do not include the sale or transfer of any probate property.

Factors That Might Affect the Costs: The average costs quoted are typical for straightforward cases. However, unique factors in your case may increase the amount of work required, affecting the costs. These factors  include:

  • Claiming any IHT reliefs
  • The number of assets within the estate
  • Gifts made by the deceased during their lifetime
  • Investigation into the estate by the DWP
  • Missing assets
  • Any additional searches requested

Disbursements: Disbursements are third-party costs related to your matter, such as HM Land Registry fees or court fees. If the estate’s value exceeds £5,000, the probate application fee is £300. There’s no fee if the estate is £5,000 or less. Extra copies of the probate document cost £1.50 each. If probate has already been granted, a second application costs £20.

Common disbursements:

  • Probate Application Fee: £300 (required for estates over £5,000)
  • Land Registry Fee: £3 per document (if the deceased owned property)
  • Will Search: £350 plus VAT (£420) (if required)
  • Statutory Notices: £200 – £300 (if required)
  • Dormant Account Search: £185 plus VAT (£222) (if required)
  • Bankruptcy Searches: £2 per name (if required)

Some disbursements attract VAT at 20%. We handle payment of disbursements on your behalf for a smoother process, but these costs are outside our control.

Time Scales: In straightforward cases, obtaining the Grant of Probate typically takes 6 to 9 months from instruction. The duration can vary based on the responsiveness of third parties.

We do not offer full estate administration services, including the collection of assets, settling of estate debts, and distribution of assets.

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