We expect 4 and 5 hours work for a straightforward case at up to £250 per hour, varying on which fee-earner has conduct of your matter. On that basis our total costs are estimated at £1250 – £1500 plus VAT ( which applies at the rate of 20%)
The correct cost will depend on the individual facts. For example, where there is one beneficiary and no property, costs will be at the lower end of the range. If there are multiple beneficiaries, a property and multiple bank accounts, costs will be at the higher end
The Full process: This estimate is for estates where:
There is a valid Will.
There is no more than one property.
There are no more than 5 bank or building society accounts.
There are no other intangible assets.
There are 1-5 beneficiaries.
There are no disputes between beneficiaries on division of assets. If disputes arise this is likely to lead to a significant increase in costs.
There is no inheritance tax payable, and the executors do not need to submit a full account to HMRC.
There are no claims made against the estate.
Possible disbursements to be added to our expected fee:
Probate application fee of £157.50 including 5 copies of the Grant.
£7 Swearing of the oath (per executor).
Bankruptcy-only Land Charges Department searches (£2 per beneficiary).
£100 (but can vary) to post in The London Gazette – Protects against unexpected claims from unknown creditors.
£100 (but can vary) to post in a Local Newspaper – This also helps to protect against unexpected claims.
Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as court fees. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to make sure for a smoother process.
Possible additional costs:
Where there is no Will:
If the estate comprises of any share holdings (stocks and bonds) there is expected to be additional costs that could vary considerably depending on the estate and how it is to be dealt with. We can give you a more accurate quote once we have more information.
If any other copies of the grant are required, they will cost £0.50 (1 per asset usually).
If there are additional properties.
If there are assets abroad.
Dealing with the sale or transfer of any property – we will provide you with a separate costs estimate for each property to be sold or transferred.
If disputes arise between beneficiaries.
Inheritance tax is payable and a full account needs to be submitted to HMRC.
The above list is not intended to be exhaustive. In all cases, our estimated fee will consider the individual circumstances of the matter as these appear at the time the estimate is given. Should the circumstances change or be different to originally thought as further information comes to light, you will be advised of this, and you will be provided with a revised costs estimate.
In our experience, costs for Probate matters fall within the range of £1250 for an exceptionally simply matter to £50000 where the Estate is extremely complex. Your costs estimate will reflect your individual circumstances.
Duration;
On typical, estates that fall within the simple range are dealt with within 6-8 months. Typically, obtaining the Grant of Probate takes 12-16 weeks. Collecting assets then follows, which can take between 12-16 weeks. Once this has been done, we can distribute the assets, which normally takes 4-8 weeks. Complex estates may take significantly longer than this. In extremely complex cases, this may be as long a several years.
Our Probate Team/Individual Details Patrick Opurum –Principal
Patrick is the head of the probate team. Patrick qualified as a Solicitor in 2012 and has more than 4 years’ experience in matters of probate.