The exact cost will depend on the individual circumstances of the matter, if there is a will (its provisions), the number of beneficiaries, the number and nature of assets and the size of the estate. The examples and estimates below provide a guide but cannot be relied upon as an accurate estimate for an individual matter.
EXAMPLE 1.
A simple case with a will and an estate below the Inheritance Tax threshold where you require us to obtain a grant of probate only (and have provided us with the information necessary to collate the application):
From £1,500 plus VAT and disbursements (see below)
EXAMPLE 2.
A simple case with an estate below the Inheritance Tax threshold where you require us to carry out the full administration (that is obtain the grant, collect the estate and distribute the estate) and where:
There is a valid will
There is no more than one property
There are no more than 2 bank or building society accounts
There are no other intangible assets
There are no more than 4 beneficiaries
There are no disputes between beneficiaries on division of assets. If disputes arise this is likely 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
From £2,500 plus VAT and disbursements (see below)
EXAMPLE 3.
For a simple case with an estate where a full HMRC account is required where you require us to carry out the full administration (that is obtain the grant, collect the estate and distribute the estate) and where:
There is a valid will
There is no more than one property
There are no more than 2 bank or building society accounts
There are no other intangible assets
There are no more than 4 beneficiaries
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
From £4,000 plus VAT and disbursements (see below)
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 application fee of £155 + £1.50 per official copy including VAT
Bankruptcy-only Land Charges Department searches (£2 per beneficiary including VAT)
Land Registry official copies say £6.00 per property inclusive of VAT.
Publication of Trustee Act Notices – Protects against unexpected claims from unknown creditors. This varies according to the area where the notices are published but in the region of £250 including VAT.
ARE THERE POSSIBLE 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 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?
Timescales
Each estate is different and depends on many external factors. It is impossible to predict how long each estate will take. Typically it may take 3 to 4 months to obtain the grant and a further 6 to 9 months to complete the administration.
WHO WILL CARRY OUT THE WORK & WHAT ARE THEIR HOURLY RATES?
The work will be carried out by Adrian Stables at the rate recommended by the Civil Justice Council Working Group Report 2021 for this area currently:
Solicitor Grade A - + 8 years post qualification experience £255 plus VAT
