Probate Pricing

Probate Pricing

Probate Pricing

The legal side of a person’s death can seem daunting. That’s why our team of legal advisers support you through each stage and ensure that all your needs are taken care of at this difficult time.

Our fees for probate matters can vary and will depend on the circumstances involved. We offer both fixed fee and hourly charges.

Fixed Fee Charges

In simple cases we can help you through this difficult process by obtaining the Grant of Probate on your behalf. We may agree a fixed fee for this service.

How much does this service cost?

A total fixed fee of £650 plus £130 VAT @20%, a total of £780. This includes: obtaining the grant in an estate where the inheritance tax report is filed in form IHT 205 (2011).

A total fixed fee of £1,500 plus £300 VAT @ 20%, a total of £1,800. This includes: obtaining the grant in an estate where the inheritance tax report is filed in form IHT 400.

Disbursements

Disbursements are costs related 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.


  • Probate court fee of £273 (no VAT payable)
  • Bankruptcy-only Land Charges Department searches (£2 per beneficiary – no VAT payable).
  • Post in The London Gazette – Protects against unexpected claims from unknown creditors - £92 plus £18.40 VAT @ 20%, a total of £110.40.
  • Post in a Local Newspaper – This also helps to protect against unexpected claims - £100 -£200 plus VAT @ 20% (between £20 and £40 VAT).
  • £1.50 per copy grant of probate (no VAT payable).

How long will this take?

On average, estates that fall within this range are dealt with within 3-4 months. Typically, because of current difficulties with the probate registry, obtaining the grant of probate takes 14 weeks.

Fees for Complex Estates

For the vast majority of cases, however, applications are complex, and it is not possible to proceed by way of fixed fee. We anticipate applying for the grant, collecting, and distributing the assets will take between 15 and 20 hours work at £177 per hour plus VAT @ 20% (£35.40 per hour VAT). Total costs estimated at £2,550-£3,400 plus VAT @ 20% (between £510 and £680 VAT). Together with a value element of 1% of the gross estate plus VAT @ 20%.


The exact cost will depend on the individual circumstances of the matter. 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, costs will be at the higher end. In our experience the average total charge to include both capital element and time element is around 1.5%-2% of the gross estate plus VAT @ 20%.



We will handle the full process for you and the process is for estates where:


  • There are no disputes between beneficiaries on division of assets. If disputes arise this is likely to lead to an increase in costs
  • There are no claims made against the estate. 
Disbursements

Disbursements are costs related 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.



  • Probate court fee of £273 (no VAT payable)
  • £7.00 (no VAT payable) Swearing an oath with a will attached when necessary (per executor).
  • Bankruptcy-only Land Charges Department searches (£2 per beneficiary – no VAT payable).
  • Post in The London Gazette – Protects against unexpected claims from unknown creditors - £92 plus £18.40 VAT @ 20%, a total of £110.40.
  • Post in a Local Newspaper – This also helps to protect against unexpected claims: £100 -£200 plus VAT @ 20% (between £20 and £40 VAT).

Potential additional costs

  • If there is no will and there are unknown beneficiaries to be traced there are likely to be additional costs that could range significantly 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 or transfer of any property in the estate is not included.

How long will this take?

On average, currently, estates that fall within this range are dealt with within 5-8 months. Typically, obtaining the grant of probate takes 14 weeks once the application is lodged with the probate registry. Collecting assets then follows, which can take between 3-4 weeks. Once this has been done, we can distribute the assets, which normally takes 1-2 weeks.
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