WILLS & PROBATE FEES

Clear Pricing for Probate and Estate Administration

We provide clear information about our probate fees before you decide whether to instruct us.

Probate costs depend on the size and complexity of the estate, whether inheritance tax is payable, the number of assets, the number of beneficiaries and whether any disputes or third-party issues arise.

Where possible, we offer fixed fees. For more complex estates, we’ll provide an estimate based on the work required.

Grant Only Service

Suitable where executors or administrators only need help applying for the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration, and will deal with the estate administration themselves.

£1,200 to £3,000 inc. VAT

This includes:

  • Initial meeting with you.
  • Reviewing the estate information provided.
  • Preparing the grant application paperwork.
  • Applying to the Probate Registry for the Grant.

This does not include:

  • Collecting in estate assets.
  • Paying estate debts or liabilities.
  • Preparing estate accounts.
  • Distributing the estate to beneficiaries.

Full Estate Administration

Suitable where you would like us to deal with the full administration of the estate on behalf of the executors or administrators.

From £3,600 to £12,000 inc. VAT

This includes:

  • Identifying estate assets and liabilities.
  • Liaising with banks, HMRC and relevant institutions.
  • Preparing probate and inheritance tax paperwork.
  • Collecting in assets and paying liabilities.
  • Preparing estate accounts.
  • Distributing the estate to beneficiaries.

Fees depend on:

  • The value of the estate.
  • The number of assets and beneficiaries.
  • Whether property is involved.
  • Whether inheritance tax is payable.

Non-Taxable and Taxable Estates

Non-Taxable Estate

A non-taxable estate is one where inheritance tax is not payable. These estates are usually more straightforward, although the cost will still depend on the number of assets, liabilities and beneficiaries involved.

Typical range: £3,600 to £7,200 inc. VAT

Taxable Estate

A taxable estate is one where inheritance tax is payable or a full inheritance tax account is required. These matters usually involve more detailed work and liaison with HMRC.

Typical range: £7,200 to £12,000 inc. VAT

Costs may also be calculated as a percentage of the estate value, or on an hourly-rate basis, depending on the complexity of the matter. We’ll confirm the basis of charging before work begins.

Common Disbursements

Disbursements are expenses payable to third parties. These are separate from our legal fees and are usually paid from the estate.

Disbursement Typical Cost
Probate application fee £526 if the estate is over £5,000
Sealed copies of the Grant Set by HMCTS at the time of application
Bankruptcy search Usually around £2 per deceased, executor or beneficiary
Statutory advertisements Usually £250 to £270 plus VAT
Landmark search Usually around £155 plus VAT
Property valuation Usually £60 to £100 plus VAT per property
Accountants’ fees To be confirmed, depending on the estate and any tax issues
RICS valuation Usually £300 to £500 plus VAT

What Is Not Included?

Unless agreed in writing, our probate fees do not include conveyancing work, contested probate claims, disputes between beneficiaries, genealogist fees, complex tax advice, overseas assets, business valuations or litigation.

If any of these issues arise, we’ll explain the likely additional costs before carrying out further work.

When Do These Fees Apply?

The fees above are intended for estates where the position is reasonably straightforward.

Usually Included

  • There is a valid will, or the intestacy position is clear.
  • All beneficiaries are known and identified.
  • Assets are based in the UK.
  • There are no disputes between beneficiaries.
  • There are no unusual or complex tax issues.

May Cost More

  • There is more than one property.
  • Inheritance tax is payable.
  • HMRC requires a full inheritance tax account.
  • There are disputes or potential claims.
  • There are overseas assets or business interests.

Estimated Timescales

Grant Only

Usually 8 to 12 weeks

This depends on how quickly the required information is provided and how long the Probate Registry takes to issue the Grant.

Full Estate Administration

Usually 8 to 18 months

Full administration can take longer where property must be sold, inheritance tax is payable, HMRC queries arise, or beneficiaries need to be traced.

Timescales depend on third parties, including HMRC, the Probate Registry, banks, estate agents, valuers and beneficiaries.

Typical Probate Stages

1

Initial Review

We take instructions, carry out conflict and identity checks, and review the estate information.

2

Valuing the Estate

Assets and liabilities are identified, valuations are obtained, and relevant institutions are contacted.

3

Tax and Probate Paperwork

We prepare the probate application and any required inheritance tax paperwork.

4

Grant Issued

Once the Grant is issued, assets can be collected and estate liabilities can be paid.

5

Estate Accounts

We prepare estate accounts showing assets, liabilities, expenses and proposed distributions.

6

Distribution

Once accounts are approved and all checks are complete, the estate is distributed to beneficiaries.

Need Probate Advice?

Contact us to discuss the estate and receive clear guidance on the likely work, costs and timescales.

Book a Consultation