Probate Costs and Services 

When dealing with the administration of an estate following a grant of representation it is important to assess the matters that need to be dealt with. This can take many months. Every estate is unique, therefore we encourage you to contact us for an informal discussion so we can provide you with a cost estimate outlining a range of potential costs with a timeframe to complete the work required.  

• Advise you with regard to obtaining the appropriate grant of representation of the estate;
• Advise you with regard to the administration of the estate; including the legal, tax payable, and administrative matters. 

• Provide advice in relation to foreign assets, however, we are able to co-ordinate advice with professional advisers in other jurisdictions in relation to assets held abroad but only to the extent specifically agreed in writing between us, which may incur an additional cost;
• Provide advice in relation to dealing with actual claims made against the estate, or contentious matters in dealing with the administration of the estate, such matters would be separate to the administration of the estate, however, we are able to liaise with other professional advisers on how this may affect the administration of the estate but only to the extent specifically agreed in writing between us, which may incur an additional cost; 
• Provide advice on tax.

The price information below is a general indication of costs.

We would estimate our costs in the range from £2,500 to £3,600 plus VAT at 20% plus disbursements (see disbursements section below) for a straightforward grant of probate and administration of an estate for estates in England and Wales, based on the following assumptions:

• There is no more than one property in the sole name of the deceased
• There are no more than three bank accounts of the deceased
• There are no debts except utility bills
• There is a valid Will appointing executors
• There are no more than 2 beneficiaries
• There are no complications or contentious issues involved between the beneficiaries or any third party

The above illustration cost WILL include:

• Collecting information about the assets and liabilities of the estate; and 
• Completion and submission of probate application to obtain a grant of representation.

The above illustration costs WILL NOT include:

• Addressing the deceased’s income tax and capital gains tax position up to their date of death and the estate’s tax position for the period of administration
• Placing statutory advertisements in the London Gazette and the deceased’s local newspaper
• Collecting in the assets of an estate
• Paying debts, funeral, testamentary expenses (including tax) and legacies
• Addressing HM Revenue and Customs negotiations
• Preparing estate accounts and estate tax returns
• Distributing the residuary estate to the appropriate beneficiaries
• Selling/assenting/appropriating property or other estate assets
• Constituting continuing trusts
• Registering any continuing trusts with HM Revenue and Customs Trust Registration Service
• Providing advice about varying the Will or intestacy or providing the personal representatives or beneficiaries with personal tax advice

Please contact us so that we can provide you with a tailored estimate based on your circumstances.

Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties on behalf of the estate and separate from our legal costs. The disbursements are listed below. 

The disbursement fees stated above are subject to change from time to time and we will update any disbursement regularly.

The following factors may increase the cost of your matter:

• Not having all documentation available or having incomplete or incorrect information that requires further enquiries

• Third parties not responding to our communications promptly and requiring chasing

• Dealing with unusual or complex assets or items, such as antiques or shares in private companies

• Any contentious issues that need to be resolved between beneficiaries or third party claims against the estate

If any complications arise we will discuss these with you and update you on the costs involved and seek your agreement in advance of the additional work to be carried out. 

Dealing with an estate will typically include the following timeframes and stages:

1. 1-3 months for collecting information about the assets and liabilities of the estate and preparing and submitting any Inheritance Tax forms and the probate application

2. 3-6 months for obtaining grant of probate

3. 6-12 months for collecting assets, agreeing and settling debts and distributions to beneficiaries

The above timeframes and stages are estimates only and could take longer if, for example, there is a property to sell, complex Inheritance, Income or Capital Gains Tax affairs to resolve or there are complications regarding the personal representatives or beneficiaries of the estate.