Probate Fees

Our team has extensive experience in delivering high-quality legal services in all matters relating to Wills, Estate Planning, and Estate Administration. We have particular expertise in handling high-value estates and Inheritance Tax matters.

One dedicated member of our team will conduct most of the work on your matter, ensuring consistency and clear communication. Where appropriate, other team members may be involved to ensure tasks are completed efficiently and at the correct level of expertise.

How We Can Help

We understand that dealing with the administration of an estate can be a difficult and emotional process. We can support you by:

• Obtaining the Grant of Probate on your behalf.

• Collecting and distributing the assets of the estate.

• Advising on the most efficient and appropriate way to administer the estate.

If you are the executor or administrator of an estate, you may wish to seek legal representation. Below is an overview of the services we offer and the likely fees. If you have further questions, please contact us directly.

Costs & Services Overview

Obtaining the Grant of Representation (England & Wales Only)

This service is for clients who provide us with all necessary financial information, including:

• Date-of-death balances for accounts and investments

• Property valuations

• Details of liabilities

We will:

• Draft and submit Inheritance Tax forms (as required)

• Submit the probate application

• Provide you with the Grant of Probate to manage the remaining steps

VAT is a government tax that we are required to charge, and will usually be added at 20% to our fees and disbursements, except where we indicate the disbursements are outside the scope of VAT.

Full Estate Administration

Our full estate administration service includes:

• Reviewing the Will and advising on distribution

• Obtaining valuations of all estate assets and liabilities

• Completing Inheritance Tax forms and assisting with any tax payments

• Drafting the required legal statements

• Liaising with HMRC and the Probate Registry

• Closing or transferring estate assets

• Settling any liabilities

• Preparing detailed estate accounts

• Distributing funds to beneficiaries

Fees

Our fees for full estate administration are typically based on a percentage of the gross value of the estate, with an additional hourly rate applied in some cases depending on the complexity of the matter.

• 1% – 4% of the gross estate value (Minimum fee: £2,500)

• Hourly rate: £160 – £400 (+VAT at 20%)

These rates reflect the complexity of the case, including:

• Type and number of assets

• Complexity of inheritance tax matters

• Number of beneficiaries

• Any cross-border or trust issues

You will receive a detailed cost estimate before any work begins. We will always inform you of any changes to our estimated fees before additional work is undertaken.

Timeframes

• Standard cases: Grant of Probate typically takes 3–6 months Full administration may take an additional 6–12 months

• Complex cases: May take 18–24 months to conclude

We will provide an estimated timeline tailored to your circumstances at the outset.

Disbursements

You will also need to pay for disbursements which are costs that need to be paid to third parties, such as Probate Registry fees. The likely disbursements are below:

• Probate Registry application fee £300.00

• Additional copies of Grant of Representation £1.50 per copy

To protect the executors from claims, the following disbursements may also apply:

• Bankruptcy searches against beneficiaries £6.00 per beneficiary

• Public Notices in The London Gazette and Local Newspaper Approximately £300.00