The Probate Process

Administering the Estate of someone who has died is an important, yet daunting step to undertake. It can also be emotional and extremely time consuming. However, we can guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have, whether that person died leaving a Will or died intestate without a Will.

What Does the Probate Cost?

There are two services we can provide, details of which are as follows:

Obtaining a Grant of Representation ONLY:

• Fixed fee of £850 plus VAT with an IHT205 Form; or
• Fixed fee of £1,750 plus VAT with an IHT400 Form.

Obtaining a Grant of Representation and dealing with the administration of the estate:

We anticipate that our total costs will not exceed 2% of the gross value of the estate (excluding VAT). However, the exact cost will depend on the individual circumstances of the matter. For example, if there is one beneficiary and no property, costs will most likely be below 2%. If there are multiple beneficiaries, a property, and multiple bank accounts, costs will be closer to the 2% mark. Once we have a clearer picture as to what assets are in the estate, we will provide you with a more accurate quote.

The above cost information applies where there are no disputes between beneficiaries on the division of assets. If disputes arise, this is likely to lead to an increase in costs.

If it appears the costs will exceed 2% of the gross value of the estate, we would inform you before carrying out additional work.

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.

For probate matters, there are usually the following disbursements:

• Probate Registry application fee: £300 plus £1.50 per copy Grant
• Bankruptcy search: £2 per beneficiary
• S27 Trustee Act Notices Advert: £200 - £350. This is a legal notice advertising for unknown debtors to come forward within a two-month period and protects the executors against unexpected claims for unknown debts.
• Where the estate consists of any shareholdings (stocks and bonds), there are likely to be additional costs, such as stockbrokers’ charges for preparing probate valuation of the share portfolio.
• Dealing with the sale or transfer of any property in the estate is not included. We will quote separately for this.
• If there is no Will or if there is any difficulty tracing beneficiaries, there will likely be extra costs depending on the estate and how it is to be dealt with.

How Long Will it Take?

Estates can be complex and can include unexpected problems. For example, disputes between beneficiaries and personal representatives, tax issues, and business interests. We are also reliant on third parties responding to our correspondence in a timely and accurate manner.

Estates which are relatively simple to deal with, e.g., there is a valid Will, no more than one property and five bank accounts, no more than five beneficiaries who are identifiable and living in England and Wales, no disputes between the beneficiaries, no Inheritance Tax to pay, and no claims against the Estate, then we would ordinarily expect the administration to last between four and eight months from our instruction.

In estates where there are complicating factors and Inheritance Tax to pay, some cases can last up to, and in some circumstances beyond, twelve months from instruction.

When we meet with you and have obtained the information we require, we will be able to provide you with a likely timescale.

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