Wills & Probate

Our hourly rate is £320.00 plus VAT depending on the complexity of your case, the experience of the lawyer and your location. Based on your individual circumstances, we’ll advise you on the best option for you.
Where applicable, VAT is charged at 20%.

Each case is unique and we’ll advise in your initial consultation and throughout what level of support is required.
We anticipate a simple probate with a will would be along the lines of:

• No property
• 2 beneficiaries
• Uncontested
• No inheritance tax
• No claim made against the estate
• Maximum 2 bank accounts

On Average this type of work takes 10 hours to complete. This means our fees will start from a minimum of £3,200.00 (plus VAT)

We would charge you £320.00 + VAT for a simple will without the probate element.

Where applicable, VAT is charged at 20%.

• £200.00 for probate fee application
• £15.00 for swearing of oath per executor
• £3.00 for bankruptcy search (VAT Applicable)
• £3.00 for land registry search (if property is involved) (VAT Applicable)
• Starts from £92 for Post in the London Gazette to protect against unexpected claims from unknown creditors.
• Starts from £150 for post in Local Newspaper to protect against unexpected claims.

Where applicable VAT is included at 20%’.

Each case is individual and can differ in the time it takes to settle. Generally, we’d expect estate administrations to take between 6 months to a year and grant of representations approximately 3 months.

The basic steps in will are as follows:

• Opening words of the Testator
• Dating the will
• Revocation clause
• Appointment of executors (and trustees)
• Gifts and Legacies

The basic steps of estate administration are as follows:

If there is a will:

• Value the estate and report it to HMRC.
• Pay any inheritance tax.
• Make an application for a Grant of Probate at the District Probate Registry
• Collect in the assets of the deceased including money after the sale of property or shares.
• Pay off all debts including utility bills.
• Keep a record of how the estate will be split amongst the beneficiaries of the will
• Pass the relevant assets to the beneficiaries of the will.
• Deal with the tax consequences of the person’s death, including considering Capital Gains Tax, Inheritance Tax and Income Tax for the last period of the deceased’s life, and the administration period.

If there is no will:

• Make an application for a Grant of Letters of Administration.
• Follow the same process as above.

The basic steps of an application for probate includes:

• Value the estate and report to HMRC
• Pay any inheritance tax
• Make an application for probate
• Collect in the assets
• Pay all of the debts
• Record how the estate is being split amongst the beneficiaries
• Distribute assets to the beneficiaries of the will