Probate Fees
our process
There is no such thing as a ‘typical probate case’. Every estate is different and there are a whole host of variables which need to be taken into account in giving you a cost estimate.
The administration of an estate could vary from a simple estate with one beneficiary, one bank account and no property to deal with to a multi-million-pound estate with complex assets, trusts and multiple beneficiaries. There could be missing documents (typically shares held in paper form rather than electronically), businesses and more than one property. There are also factors which could complicate the administration.
For a simple estate with one beneficiary and one or two bank accounts, but no property, our minimum charge is £1,200 plus VAT.
For an estate involving a number of beneficiaries and mixed assets which could include a small number of electronically shares, bank accounts and a residential property, the average cost is in the region of £1,500- £2,500plus VAT
In providing these average estimates, we make the following key assumptions:
- With family assistance, we are able to speedily identify all assets and liabilities of the estate
(2) We will be provided with current contact details of all relevant parties.
(3) All assets are situated in England and Wales.
(4) There are no technical or other impediments to a grant from the Probate Registry.
(5) There are no claims against the estate by relatives, creditors or others.
(6) All beneficiaries reside in the UK, are at least 18 years of age and can understand and sign documentation as required.
(7) There is no inheritance tax to pay and the executors do not need to submit a full IHT400 account to HMRC.
(8) There are no questions raised by HM Revenue & Customs.
(9) There is no claim by the Department for Work and Pensions.
If any of these key assumptions are incorrect or change over time, we will need to provide you with a revised scope of work, revised timetable and revised fee estimate.
In addition to our costs, there will other disbursements which you will need to pay.
These are the usual disbursements in straightforward estate administration work:
(a) Probate Registry application fee £273
(b) Copies of the grant issued at the same time (£1.50 per official copy and we usually suggest obtaining one official copy per asset)
(c) Bankruptcy searches – £2.00
(d) Claims notices in the London Gazette and a local newspaper (protection against unexpected demands for liabilities)
Our average estimates specifically do not include any advice about the following aspects:
Property Sale (if applicable)
Trusts
Deeds of Variation
Business or Farming Advice (if applicable)
If applicable, we will price these and any other requirements separately for you.
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