Wills, Estate Planning, Trusts & Probate
COMPASSIONATE PROBATE SERVICE
Losing a loved one is always a distressing and emotional time. It is even more so if you are unsure of the probate process and the steps required in the administration of an estate.
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DO YOU NEED ADVICE?
We offer sensitive guidance.
The process of probate can be both time consuming and complex. We are here to support and guide you through the task ahead in the event that a loved one passes. Our Private Client team provide a professional, sensitive and compassionate service.
Dealing with a deceased estate is a particularly daunting task if you have never been involved with a probate application before, or if you are named as an executor of an estate. Our probate lawyers aim is to take the burden away from your shoulders so that you can focus on supporting your loved ones at this difficult time.
Administering an estate comes at a highly emotional time of grief. It can be a very stressful and time-consuming process made potentially more difficult if you do not personally know the beneficiaries or the process. This is where we can assist by guiding you through the process.
If the deceased had left a Will, this would explain what should happen to their estate. The executors will need to apply for a grant of probate which will give them the legal right to administer the estate. This is the process referred to as ‘probate’.
An Administrator would deal with the estate if:
- the person did not leave a Will,
- or if the Will is in some way invalid,
- or in the case that the Will does not specify any executors.
They would then instead apply for a grant of Representation (also known as ‘letters of administration’) to deal with the administration of the estate.
We can take care of everything for you. Our experienced Private Client team provide a considerate and specialised service. They ensure that you are guided through any uncertainty leaving you the time you need to support your family through the process.
Our team will be able to advise you on the process, including:
- Confirming whether the deceased person has left a Will.
- Gathering the necessary information and notification of the passing.
- Applying for a Grant of Probate or grant of Representation (a Letter of Administration).
- Dealing with the Probate registry and HMRC.
- Released and distributing the deceased’s assets from the estate to the beneficiaries.
Are you looking for further guidance on the above?
Our private client team are happy to discuss the process of dealing with an estate in more detail. Please see below further information in respect of our probate fees.
WE ARE HERE TO SUPPORT AND GUIDE YOU THROUGH THE TASKS AHEAD WITH A PROFESSIONAL, SENSITIVE AND COMPASSIONATE SERVICE
In addition, our professional team can help Personal Representatives by:
- Contacting and notifying the relevant persons, asset and liability holders of the passing.
- Paying tax and answering any queries from HMRC, for example in relation to inheritance tax.
- Assent of property: meaning to transfer a property to another person, including into a trust.
- Dealing with the sales or transfers of assets and/or bank accounts.
- Dealing with the sale of a property, assets and shares.
- Advising beneficiaries on investing and protecting their inheritance.
- Advice on contesting a Will should you believe it to be invalid.
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Probate
Within our team we have extensive experience of delivering a high quality service in all matters relating to Wills, Estate Planning and Estate administration. The team has particular expertise in high value estates and in inheritance tax matters. One member of our team will conduct most of the work on your matter, but we will involve other members where appropriate and in order that work is carried out at the right level.
We can help you through this difficult process by obtaining the Grant of Probate on your behalf. We will also undertake the collecting and distributing of assets.
If you are the executor or administrator of an estate you might want to consider legal representation but are wondering about the fees and costs. Here we give you an overview of the services included and their respective costs. If you have any further questions contact us.
How much does this service cost?
You will appreciate that it is very difficult to estimate a likely fee before we know anything about the nature and complexity of a particular estate. Based on your individual circumstances we'll advise you on the best option for you. Call us today for one of our specialist solicitors to provide you with an estimate.
Obtaining a grant of representation in England and Wales *(excluding VAT) -
Obtaining a Grant (IHT205) £950 - £3000
Obtaining a Grant (IHT400) £2500 - £6000
Administration of estate -
Our fees for the administration of an estate range between 1% to 4% of the gross value of the estate depending on the complexity of your case and your location. You would be informed of any increase to our estimated fees prior to us carrying out any further work.
1-4% of Gross Estate (minimum fee £2500 - £10,000)
plus hourly rate (£160 - £325 +VAT)
Breakdown of costs: 
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.
Disbursements (£351 in total):
- Probate court fee: £155 (plus £15 for 10 copies);
- Bankruptcy-only Land Charges Department Searches: £2 per beneficiary;
- Post in The London Gazette: £71.00, which protects against unexpected claims from unknown creditors;
- Post in a Local Newspaper: £110, which also helps to protect against unexpected claims.
What services are included?
- Provide you with a dedicated and experienced probate solicitor to work on your matter;
- Identify the legally appointed executors or administrators and beneficiaries;
- Accurately identify the type of Probate application you will require;
- Obtain the relevant documents required to make the application;
- Complete the Probate Application and the relevant HMRC forms;
- Draft a statement of truth;
- Make the application to the Probate Court on your behalf;
- Obtain the Probate and securely send two copies to you;
- Collect and distribute all assets in the estate.
How long will this take?
Each case is individual and can differ in the time it takes to settle.
Applying for the grant, collecting and distributing the assets
How much does this service cost?
Our hourly rates range from £160 to £325 plus VAT depending on the complexity of your case, the experience of the lawyer and your location.
The exact cost will depend on the individual circumstances of the matter.
Please contact us for a quote tailored to your circumstances.
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.
Disbursements included in this fee:
- Probate application fee: £155;
- Bankruptcy-only Land Charges Department Searches: £2 per beneficiary;
- Post in The London Gazette: £71.00, which protects against unexpected claims from unknown creditors;
- Post in a Local Newspaper: £110, which also helps to protect against unexpected claims.
Potential additional costs
- If there is no will or the estate consists of any share holdings (stocks and bonds) there is likely to be additional costs that could range significantly depending on the estate and how it is to be dealt with. We can give you a more accurate quote once we have more information.
- If any additional copies of the grant are required, they will cost £1.50 (1 per asset usually).
- Dealing with the sale or transfer of any property in the estate is not included.
How long will this take?
Each case is individual and can differ in the time it takes to settle.
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