Dealing with probate and estate administration can be complex and time consuming. We can help you through this process by obtaining the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration on your behalf. We can also undertake the collecting and distributing of assets in the estate in accordance with the will or rules of intestacy.
How much does this service cost?
Our prices are based on property and assets in the UK.
We charge a fixed fee of 1.5% of the gross value of the estate subject to a minimum fee of £1,500 plus VAT (Total: £1,800) and disbursements.
VAT is currently at the rate of 20%.
Disbursements
Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties. We handle the payment of disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process. Some disbursements incur VAT. Common disbursements associated with estate administration are:
- Probate Registry fee of £300 plus £1.50 per copy;
- Bankruptcy only Land Charges Department searches (£2 per beneficiary);
- Placing statutory notices in the London Gazette and a local newspaper - £250;
- Estate Research Lost/Unclaimed Asset Search - £195 + VAT (Total: £234)
As part of our fee we will:
- Provide you with a dedicated and experienced probate practitioner to work on your matter;
- Identify the legally appointed executors or administrators and beneficiaries;
- Accurately identify the type of application you will require;
- Obtain the relevant documents required to make the application;
- Prepare and complete the application and the relevant HMRC forms;
- Make the application to the Probate Registry on your behalf;
- Obtain the Grant of Representation and send copies to you;
- Collect and distribute all assets in the estate.
Timescale
On average, estates are dealt with within 9-12 months. Typically, obtaining the grant of probate takes 16-20 weeks. Collecting assets then follows, which can take 4-8 weeks. Once this is complete, we can distribute the assets to beneficiaries, which normally take 3-4 weeks. Selling a property in an estate may increase the timescales dependent on how long the sale process takes.
There are times where additional assets or liabilities are identified in an estate, in which case, we reserve the right to revise our fee if necessary. Any fee adjustments will be discussed with you before they are incurred.
Please note the example fee does not include the following:
- Preparing and filing tax returns for the administration period and to date of death;
- Dealing with foreign assets;
- Dealing with domicile status and complications;
- Administering and setting up trusts;
- Claims made by the Department of Work and Pensions;
- Resolving conflicts between beneficiaries and/or executors;
- Insolvent estates;
- The preparation of Deeds of Variation;
- Locating missing wills/beneficiaries; and
- Conveyancing fees in respect of the transfer or sale of the deceased’s property.
