| Basic | Complex | |
|---|---|---|
| Identifying who can administer the estate | ||
| Obtaining the Will | ||
| Collecting information in on the value of the estate | ||
| Arranging payment of funeral costs | ||
| Checking and putting in place house insurance | ||
| Liaising with all utility companies, council tax, TV licence, creditors, store card and club memberships | ||
| Transfer of Inheritance Tax nil rate band if required | ||
| Short form inheritance tax forms | ||
| Obtaining the grant of probate | ||
| Collecting in assets. Payment of known debts and liabilities | ||
| Administration of shareholdings, investment portfolios, insurance or pension policies | ||
| Placing creditor notices | ||
| Reclaim of income tax (only if the deceased was NOT a self assessed tax payer) | ||
| Reclaim of capital gains tax | ||
| Payment of all monetary gifts | ||
| Preparation of an estate account | ||
| Distribution of the estate between the beneficiaries and obtaining receipt for payment | ||
| Estates where the deceased was domiciled abroad | ||
| Undertaking a search for a Will | ||
| Identifying beneficiaries of the estate | ||
| All expenses and probate fees | ||
| Conduct of the matter where a dispute between the party arises | ||
| Conveyancing involved in transfer or sale of property | ||
| Long inheritance tax return | ||
| Intestate Estates |
Probate and the Administration of Estates
Probate and the Administration of Estates
Probate
Probate and estate administration matters are carried out by our specialist lawyers in our Wills, Trusts and Probate team.
Timescales
Based on our current matters, the likely timescales for this work are as follows:
Simple estates: Typically dealt with within 9 to 18 months.
Complex estates: Typically dealt with between 1 to 3 years.
Please note that these are only guidelines. The administration of an estate can be delayed for various reasons, and some cases may take significantly longer.
We are happy to discuss your individual circumstances and provide a tailored estimate.
Disbursements
The following fees for third parties will typically be required in addition to our fees. We usually arrange these third-party payments on behalf of the estate:
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Probate Court Fee | £300 |
| Bankruptcy search | £2.00 plus VAT (international price will be higher) |
| Advert in London Gazette/local paper | £200–£300 (estimate) |
| Additional copies of grant (each) | £1.50 |
| Land registry fees (per title) | £7.00 plus VAT |
Dealing with the sale or transfer of any property in the estate is not included.
Our Costs
Basic Estates
A basic estate typically involves:
• A valid will
• No inheritance tax payable
• No disputes among beneficiaries
• Up to 5 beneficiaries
• No more than 4 bank accounts
• One property
8 bank accounts or less
No IHT400 needed
From £3,500 – £9,000 + VAT and disbursements
EnquireComplex Estates
Most estates which we administer would fall within the complex category. An estate is considered complex if it involves:
• Multiple properties
• Multiple bank accounts and other financial assets
• Overseas assets
• Business or company interests
• Farms and agricultural land
• Trusts created by the will
• Lifetime gifting or tax planning
• Missing beneficiaries
• Disputes or legal challenges
• Intestacy (no will)
• Court of Protection deputyship issues
The increased costs over a basic estate represent the need for a member of the team with greater experience working on the matter over a longer period of time.
From £8,000 – £50,000 + VAT and disbursements
EnquireWhat is included?
Hourly Rate Extras
Our hourly charge out rates vary according to the experience of the member of the team dealing with your matter and range from £160 – £325 + VAT. You will be informed in advance of who will be handling your matter, their role, hourly rate, and who will supervise their work.
The cost of dealing with probate matters depends on the individual circumstances of each case. A simple estate with relatively few assets, no property and a couple of beneficiaries will be dealt with at the lower end of the suggested range. Where the estate is more complex with multiple assets, property, multiple beneficiaries and there is a requirement to deal with lifetime gifting or claim tax reliefs or settle inheritance tax, the estimate will be higher.
