Probate
Our solicitors can help you through Probate and Estate administration with a tailored service offering exactly as much assistance or advice as you need.
What is Probate?
Probate gives you the Legal right to handle a person’s Estate.
If you have been named the Executor of someone’s Will then you are responsible for administering their Estate. That means organising their assets, paying debts and taxes and distributing what is left according to the instructions left in the Will.
Before you can do this, you need to apply for a Grant of Probate.
What we will do on your behalf
We can help with and advise on any of these duties including:
- Collate information and valuations regarding the Assets and Liabilities of the Estate
- Preparing HM Revenue & Customs Inheritance Tax Forms as appropriate
- Applying for the Grant of Representation
- Collecting in the assets of the Estate and settling any liabilities
- Arranging the sale/transfer of any assets as appropriate
- Preparation of Estate Accounts
- Distributing the Estate to Beneficiaries
- Managing any Trusts in the Will
Our Probate Solicitors can assist with as much or as little of the process as you like. We can simply get a Grant of Probate for you, or you can pass all your Executor duties on to us.
We can also advise on Estate administration if someone close to you has died without a Will.
Our Legal Fees
| Administration | Minimum Fee (Excluding VAT) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| UK Probate | £3,750.00 | In the region of 2.95% of the value of the Gross Assets |
| UK Probate including Property | £5,250.00 | In the region of 2.95% of the value of the Gross Assets |
| International Probate | £3,750.00 | In the region of 2.95% of the value of the Gross Assets |
If assistance is required for only some specific elements of the Administration, we can agree specific fees for the work required.
Payments to third parties (disbursements) in addition to our legal fees
These typically include items such as:
| Disbursement | Fees and Notes |
|---|---|
| Probate Court Fees | £300 plus VAT at 20% (£1.50 for each copy required) |
| Notices to creditors in the London Gazette and local newspaper | Estimated between £150-£200 plus VAT at 20% |
| Valuation fees for Property, Chattels and Stocks & Shares | VAT is chargeable at 20% |
| Estate Agent Fees (If selling an Estate Property) | VAT is chargeable at 20% |
| Conveyancing fees (If selling or transferring a property including Land Registry Fees) | VAT is chargeable at 20% |
| Stockbroker/Registrar Fees (If selling or transferring Shares and/or Investments) | VAT is chargeable at 20% |
| The costs of any insurances required | These depend upon the Insurance company |
| Bankruptcy Searches | £6 per individual |
| Land Registry Searches | £7 per Office Copy Entry |
Any fees and disbursements, debts and Inheritance Tax payable will be paid from the assets of the Estate.
*This is not an exhaustive list
How long does Probate take?
This will take an average of about eight months to a year for most Estates. The exact time will depend on the size and complexity of the Estate Administration.
Please do not hesitate to contact us on 01432 276 276 if you have any queries.
Prefer not to call?
You may use the form on our Contact Us page or email us instead.
Wills and Probate Team
Sabrina Khanna
Director - Private Client EmailMira Puri
Director - Private Client EmailCourtney Bowkett
Director - Conveyancing and Private Client EmailAndrea Giles
Legal Executive - Private Client Email
