Probate Fees
Probate Fees (for uncontested matters only)
We charge for all of our estate administration services on an hourly rate basis.
When an individual makes a Will, executors are appointed to administer their estate and ensure the estate passes to the beneficiaries of the Will. We understand that this is often a challenging time. H&S Solicitors can assist with the process and liaise with the Probate Office, HM Revenue and Customs, and other associated bodies/organisations on your behalf.
Our fees
Our fees are calculated on time spent. We will provide you with a fee estimate after a discussion of your circumstances and requirements. But note this will be an estimate only, and we will write to you again if the costs exceed the fee estimate.
Partners – -£300 – £400 per hour
Consultant Solicitors – £350 – £450 per hour
Associate Solicitors – £300 – £400 per hour
Paralegals – £150.00
VAT at 20% applies where applicable
Key stages and scope of work covered
- Identifying legally appointed executors or administrators and beneficiaries
- Valuing the assets and liabilities in the estate
- Completion of the relevant inheritance and income tax forms and payment of tax
- Completion of the Probate Registry forms/affidavits/statement of truths to apply for a Grant of Probate
- Securing the Grant of Representation
- Collecting in the assets of the estate
- Settling any debts and liabilities of the estate
- Preparation of estate accounts; and
- Distribution of the assets.
The average timescales involved
From the initial consultation to receipt of the Grant of Representation: 3-9 months
Collecting and distributing the assets: 3-9 months
The total timescale usually is 6-12 months for the entire process. However, there are additional considerations that could affect the overall timescale:
- Whether inheritance tax is payable;
- Type and number of assets in the estate;
- Whether all beneficiaries are easily identifiable and traceable;
- Sale of a property (if applicable)
- Unexpected factors
The table below sets out generally the typical average cost per estate.
Complexity of Estate | Criteria | Prices start from
|
Straightforward UK estate | · Valid Will, · a few beneficiaries · less than one property · No disputes between the beneficiaries on division of assets. If disputes arise, this is likely to lead to an increase in costs · a few bank accounts · no claims made against the estate · no inheritance tax to pay · the value of estate no more than £150,000 | £3,000 – £6,000 plus VAT and disbursements |
Simple UK estate | · Valid Will · Over £150,000 – £1 million · no inheritance tax to pay · few beneficiaries · a small number of UK assets one UK residential property | £5,000 – £16,000 plus VAT and disbursements |
Complex estate | · Valid Will · Inheritance tax liability · business assets · a wide range of assets and relief sought | £11,000 – £50,000 plus VAT and disbursements |
Highly complex estate | · Valid Will · Foreign assets · business assets · More than one residential property · a wide range of assets and beneficiaries resident/domiciled abroad | £15,000 – £100,000 plus VAT and disbursements |
Additional considerations that will affect the fees
Other factors or extra work that arise during an estate administration, which will incur additional costs and time involved.
Examples [Note list is not exhaustive]
- Missing beneficiaries;
- Missing assets;
- Disagreements between executors and beneficiaries
- Complex tax considerations
- Validity of the Will
- Tax planning advice
- Domiciliary
Disbursements (note these are not included the firm’s professional fees)
A disbursement cost is a cost related to your matter. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process. Disbursements include but are not limited to:
Probate Court Fee – £155 plus £1.50 for each additional copy
Swearing of Oath – £5.00 onwards
Land Registry search – £3
Asset search – £162 (inclusive of VAT)
Legal notices to creditors – £200 – £300 plus VAT
Bankruptcy searches – £2 per name searched
Useful links
HMRC for inheritance tax
Citizens Advice Bureau, Deaths and Wills
Citizens Advice Bureau, Dealing with the financial affairs of someone who has died
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