Probate Pricing

The information here applies only to uncontested estates and with all the deceaseds assets in UK.

When providing a quote for our fees for dealing with the administration of an estate, we would prefer to discuss these with you before you instruct us so that we can give you a realistic figure rather than rely on generic figures that may well change when we are aware of the full circumstances.

We will agree to proceed on the basis of an hourly rate fee, again for an agreed scope of work.

The hourly rates for members of our team are as follows:

£240 to £350 an hour

We will not proceed with our work until you have agreed the basis on which you wish to proceed. We may split the fees into the different stages of the matter to make it easier for you to understand.

As generic examples these are average fees that we could charge:

Simple case: £5,000 £20,000
Medium complexity case: £20,000 £40,000
High complexity case: £40,000 £80,000

Factors that could make a case more complex:

A larger number of assets that we would normally expect.
A larger number of beneficiaries that we would normally expect or where there are difficulties in locating and/or communicating with beneficiaries.
Unusual arrangements arising under the terms of the Will eg Trusts or beneficiaries under 18.
To agree and settle inheritance tax with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)

There may also be payments that need to be made to third parties, examples of which are:

Probate Registry or Court fees. These are dependent on the value of the estate

Inheritance Tax this is charged by HMRC on estates exceeding £325,000. However this tax is very complex and dependent on the value and structure of the assets of the estate.

These are the following key stages to administer an estate:

Identify the legally appointed executors or administrators and beneficiaries
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 legal oath for you to swear
Make the application to the Probate Court on your behalf
Collect and distribute all assets in the estate.

It is difficult to give an accurate estimate of the time it will take to complete the work for you. There are too many variable and each estate is different. On average, straightforward estates could be dealt with within 6 18 months.

Typically, obtaining the grant of probate takes 3 6 month. Collecting assets then follows, which can take between 1 6 months. Once this has been done, we can distribute the assets which normally takes 3 6 months.