Looking for a solicitor to guide you through the probate process? If you have been named as an Executor under a will the process may seem daunting. If there is no will the process can be even more complicated.
We can assist you in dealing with the process. The level of our involvement can vary depending on how much help you need.
We are expert probate lawyers based in Romford Essex.
Fixed Price Probate – Obtaining the Grant of Probate only
We can offer a fixed price where our retainer is limited to obtaining the Grant of Probate. This includes obtaining the grant for one executor but does not include distribution of the estate or dealing with the more complex IHT forms with the revenue.
Breakdown of costs:
Legal fees £895
VAT on legal fees £179
Disbursements:
- Probate court fee of £273
- £5 Swearing of the oath + £2 exhibit
As part of our fixed fee we will:
- Provide you with a dedicated and experienced probate lawyer to work on your matter
- Identify the legally appointed executors or administrators and beneficiaries
- Complete the Probate Application
- Draft a legal oath for you to swear
- Make the application to the Probate Court on your behalf
- Obtain the Probate and send it to you
Typically, obtaining the grant of probate takes 1-2 months from when you provide us with all the required information.
Please note that the fee does not include obtaining the relevant documents required to make the application for the grant of probate, completing the more complex IHT forms, applying for the transfer of the unused nil rate band, applying for residence nil rate band and the distribution of estate assets to the beneficiaries. For this you are likely to need broader advice and assistance and for this you need to consider costs for more complex estates set out below.
Grant of Probate / Letters of Adminstration and collecting and distributing the assets in more complex matters
A “typical” estate can take between 8 and 12 hours work to complete. Realistic costs estimates for this are between £1,800 + VAT to £2,700 + VAT + Disbursements (see below)
The exact cost will depend on the individual circumstances of the matter. For example, if 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. In more complex estates this can be higher.
We will handle the full process for you. This estimate is for estates where:
- There is a valid will
- There is no more than one property
- There are no more than 2 bank or building society accounts
- There are no other intangible assets
- There are up to 4 beneficiaries
- There are no disputes between beneficiaries on division of assets. If disputes arise this is likely to lead to an 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
Disbursements payment on top of this fee:
- Probate application fee of £273
- Bankruptcy-only Land Charges Department searches (£2 per beneficiary)
- £75 + VAT Post in The London Gazette – Protects against unexpected claims from unknown creditors.
- £100 to £125 + VAT 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 ensure a smoother process.
Potential additional costs
- If there is no will or the estate consists of any share holdings (stocks and bonds) there is likely to be additional costs that could range significantly 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 additional copies of the grant are required, they will cost £1.50 (1 per asset usually).
- Dealing with the sale or transfer of any property in the estate is not included.
- Preparing self assessment tax returns are not included
Please call David Gregory on 01708 757575 for a quote or email david.gregory@ker.co.uk for a formal quote and details of the timescales involved.
Probate Department Staff Profiles:
David Gregory – Probate Executive
David joined us in 1995 having completed a law degree at a London University.
Wills and probate account for 100% of David’s current workload.
For further advice contact:
David Gregory – Probate Executive
01708 757575