Coping with the death of a person can bring a mixture of
emotions and the legal side of dealing with a person’s death
can often be overwhelming and confusing.
Probate Pricing
Having compassionate, experienced legal advice can make this difficult time much easier on you and your loved ones.
Pricing
The fees involved in a probate matter can vary and this will depend on the individual circumstances involved.
We operate an hourly rate charging rate, whereby you will be charged for each hour of work undertaken.
Our legal fees will range between £210 and £325 plus VAT per hour and disbursements. The fees will vary and are dependent upon individual circumstances and the level of the fee earner dealing with the file.
The range of fees will depend on issues such as whether a full inheritance tax return is required, the number of beneficiaries and the extent of the estate including whether the estate comprises any property, the number of bank accounts, shareholdings and life policies.
The total fees can range from £2,500 plus VAT for a relatively straightforward estate to £30,000 plus VAT for a complex estate.
Disbursements
Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as Land Registry fees or court fees. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process. No VAT is chargeable on the disbursements listed below unless stated.
Anticipated Disbursements
Item
Probate Fee
Amount
£155.00
Office Copies for the Grant of Probate
£0.50
Office Copies from the Land Registry
£6.00 – £15.00
Bankruptcy Search fee (per beneficiary)
£2.00
Statutory Adverts
Varies for each local paper – approx £150 to £175 plus VAT @20%
Service
We set out below the key stages of a probate matter:
Work required prior to Grant of Probate
- Prepare detailed schedule of all assets and liabilities as at date of death;
- Obtain date of death values for all assets;
- Open bank account for collection of assets and payment of liabilities throughout administration period;
- Prepare Inheritance Tax papers;
- Calculate Inheritance Tax payable immediately and Inheritance Tax which can be paid by instalment option;
- Prepare Oath for Executor and make application for Grant.
Work required once Grant of Probate issued
- Place Statutory Adverts advertising for any possible creditors to come forward;
- Review Will in detail with regards to gifts of specific property and pecuniary gifts;
- Consider payment of inheritance tax and how this will be dealt with;
- Liaise with surveyors/estate agents and district valuer in respect of date of death values and calculations for properties (if necessary);
- Settle all outstanding liabilities;
- Transfer property to the residuary beneficiaries in accordance with the terms of the Will or property to be placed on the market for sale;
- Prepare Estate Accounts;
- Calculate closing balance interest payments;
- Distribute the Estate.
Assumptions
Our fees include the items detailed above, however there may be factors which would typically increase the cost of the fees involved including but not limited to disputes between beneficiaries, claims against the estate, international assets, deeds of variation, house clearances and tax returns.
Where there is likely to be any additional cost, we will make sure you are informed of this at the earliest opportunity and a clear estimate of those extra costs will be provided.
Time Scales
The timescale for dealing with a probate matter will depend on a number of factors including the response times from various parties including executors, beneficiaries and third parties including financial institutions and the probate registry and the number of assets to be dealt with.
We estimate that it may take between 6 to 24 months to conclude the administration of the estate.
Fee Earners
Lisa is a partner in the firm and specialises in private client and property work with 10+ years Post Qualification Experience. Lisa is experienced in dealing with post-death matters and regularly advises in probate matters and Court of Protection cases. Lisa’s hourly rate is £375 plus VAT @20%.
Chris is a partner in the firm and qualified as a solicitor in 2007. Chris deals with wills, tax planning, lasting powers of attorney, estate administration and trusts. Chris also acts a Panel Deputy for the Court of Protection. Chris’ hourly rate is £375 plus VAT @20%.
Rebecca Eastwood
Rebecca is an Associate Solicitor in Gillhams’ Wills and Probate Department and was admitted to the Roll of Solicitors in October 2019. Rebecca’s hourly rate is £325 plus VAT @20%.
Paralegals & Trainee Solicitors
From time to time Paralegals and Trainee Solicitors also assist the above and their hourly rate is £250 plus VAT @20%.
Contact us
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Accreditations
Gillhams Solicitors LLP. is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority SRA No:488436
