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Full Estate Administration
We can help you through this difficult process by not only obtaining the Grant of Probate on your behalf, but to distributing assets, managing liabilities, and handling tax obligations with HMRC, we provide expert assistance every step of the way.
Initial Fixed Fee Consultation
We offer an initial fixed-fee meeting for probate matters in the sum of £350 plus VAT. This consultation gives you the opportunity to meet with an experienced member of the team and understand your options. This meeting then allows us to provide you with our initial advice and help you feel confident in the next steps.
If you choose to instruct us following the meeting, the cost of this consultation will be deducted from the total fee.
How much does this service cost?
Your probate fee estimate will be provided after an initial consultation with your Lawyer. During this meeting, they will discuss the specifics of the estate and provide a tailored estimate based on the complexity of the estate and the services required.
We estimate our fees to typically be 1.5 – 4% of the value of the estate. VAT will be charged at 20% on top of this and information regarding likely disbursements is set out below.
We are unable to offer a fully accurate estimate until we have complete details of the estate. Once we have all the necessary information, we will provide you with a tailored fee.
The estimated figures provided above may change depending on the complexities involved. However, if we encounter any unexpected complications or complexities during the process that may affect the scope of work, we will inform you as soon as possible. We aim to ensure transparency, so you know exactly what to expect.
Should any additional fees be required due to unforeseen issues, we will provide you with a revised estimate and seek your approval before proceeding. Our goal is to keep you informed and ensure the process remains smooth and efficient.
Our charges are typically based on the time spent on the matter, although other factors will also be considered such as, the complexity of the matter, the importance and urgency of the matter to you; and the skill, effort, specialist knowledge and responsibility involved in dealing with the estate on your behalf.
Our hourly rates vary depending on the level of experience of the practitioner(s) assigned to your matter. Our hourly rates range from £140 to £390 plus VAT and are reviewed on an annual basis. The time spent will be charged in units of one-tenth of an hour.
To ensure the highest standard of service and compliance with all legal requirements, our probate specialist solicitors are supervised by an appropriate qualified practitioner. Nicola Weldon, Partner and Head of Department, will have overall supervision for the department.
We anticipate that estates within this range will be dealt with within 12 months, though the timeline may vary depending on factors beyond our control.
We will, however, make every possible effort to ensure that it is completed as soon as is reasonably practicable and to keep you updated throughout the process.
Probate can become more complex due to differing factors, such as:
- Large estates with a wide range of assets, such as investments, stocks and shares.
- The number of bank accounts and building societies
- Business interests or assets.
- Agricultural assets or elements.
- Whether there is a Will or not
- Foreign assets or foreign Will and corresponding with overseas lawyers.
- Minor or vulnerable beneficiaries.
- Inclusion of any Trusts
- Debts and liabilities
- Number of beneficiaries and if they need to be located
- Whether a full HMRC Inheritance Tax Account is required
- Additional tax implications including Income Tax, Administration tax or Capital Gains.
Potential Disbursements:
VAT will be charged at 20% on top of our fees and information regarding likely disbursements is set out below.
Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as court fees. We handle the payment of disbursements, where possible, on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.
- Probate court fee of £300 or estates with a value exceeding £5,000 (+ £1.50 each per office copy)
- Bankruptcy-only Land Charges Department searches (£2 + VAT per beneficiary)
- Land Registry office copies £7 + VAT
- Advertisements in The London Gazette and a Local Newspaper – to protect against unexpected claims from unknown creditors are approximately £250 + VAT depending on the newspaper.
Other costs
- Onboarding fee – £20+VAT
As part of our fee
- You will have an experienced probate practitioner to work on your matter.
- Provide initial advice and guidance on the probate process and your responsibilities as an Executor or Administrator
- Review the Will (if available) to confirm its validity and ensure it aligns with legal requirements.
- Identifying the legally appointed Executors or Administrators and beneficiaries.
- Assist with gathering and valuing the assets of the estate, including property, investments, and personal belongings.
- Notify relevant institutions and organisations including banks, insurance companies, and government departments.
- Prepare and submit the probate application to the relevant Probate Court.
- Deal with any Inheritance Tax matters including calculating the tax due and preparing the necessary forms for submission to HMRC.
- Manage any outstanding debts or claims against the estate (if applicable).
- Prepare and file estate accounts, detailing all assets, liabilities and distributions.
- Distribute the estate according to the terms of the Will (if available) or intestacy laws.
- Provide ongoing communication and updates to you, throughout the entire process.
Ellisons is a trading name of Ellisons Legal LLP. Ellisons Legal LLP is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA Number 8001031) | © Ellisons