Probate

 

Charges

We charge on a time-spent basis, plus VAT and disbursements:

• Grant of Probate / Letters of Administration: £350 per hour plus VAT and disbursements.

• Full Estate Administration: £350 per hour plus VAT and disbursements. Minimum charge: 0.25% of the value of the estate (property and other assets).

Estimated costs:

• Simple estates (e.g., property, cash at bank, pensions, short-form IHT forms): £1,500 - £3,500

• Complex estates (e.g., complex investments, overseas assets, long-form IHT forms): £3,500 - £5,000+

These are rough estimates. Costs vary depending on the estate’s complexity. Contact us for a bespoke quote.

 

What Our Service Includes

• Investigating the deceased’s estate

• Contacting relevant third parties and organisations

• Closing accounts and obtaining final statements

• Collecting funds and ascertaining estate assets

• Completing relevant forms

• Paying any Inheritance Tax liabilities from available funds

• Applying for Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration

• Settling debts of the deceased

• Preparing estate accounts

• Distributing the residuary estate

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Disbursements

Disbursements are costs payable to third parties, which we handle on your behalf:

• Probate application fee: £273 if estate > £5,000; free if ≤ £5,000. Includes one probate document; additional copies £1.50 each.

• London Gazette advertisement: £78 + VAT (to protect against unknown creditors).

• Local newspaper advertisement: Estimated £150 + VAT (also for protection against unexpected claims).

Potential additional costs:

• Estates with no Will or including shareholdings may incur extra fees.

• Additional copies of the Grant: £0.50 each.

• Sale or transfer of estate property is not included; additional charges may apply.

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Timeline

• Simple estates: Usually completed within 1–6 months.

• Grant of Probate: Typically takes 16 weeks from application at the Probate Registry.

• Asset collection: Approximately 6–8 weeks.

• Distribution of assets: Normally 4–6 weeks after collection.

Please note: While we aim to provide accurate estimates, additional charges may apply if the estate proves more complex than initially anticipated.