01708 757575 mbs@ker.co.uk Enterprise House, 18 Eastern Road, Romford, Essex UK, RM1 3PJ

Probate

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.

What is the cost for applying for the grant of Probate and collecting and distributing the assets

We anticipate this will take between 8 and 12 hours work at £225.00 per hour. Total costs estimated at between £1,800 + VAT £360 to £2,700 + VAT £540 + Disbursements £162

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.

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 included in this fee:

  • Probate application fee of £273

 

Disbursements not included in this fee:

  • 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.

How long will this take?

On average, estates that fall within this range are dealt with within 6-12 months. Typically, obtaining the grant of probate takes 10-12 weeks. Collecting assets then follows, which can take between 4-6 weeks. Once this has been done, we can distribute the assets, which normally takes 4-6 weeks.

 

How much does it cost to obtain Probate?  (limited to obtaining the Grant of Probate)

We can help you through this difficult process by obtaining the Grant of Probate on your behalf.

This includes: obtaining the grant for one executor.

Breakdown of costs:

Legal fees £899

VAT on legal fees £179.80

Disbursements :

  • Probate court fee of £273

The total fixed fee of £1,351.80(inc. VAT and Disbursements)

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.

As part of our fixed fee we will:

  • Provide you with a dedicated and experienced probate solicitor to work on your matter
  • Identify the legally appointed executors or administrators and beneficiaries
  • Accurately identify the type of Probate application you will require
  • Complete the Probate Application and the relevant HMRC forms
  • Draft a legal oath for you to swear
  • Make the application to the Probate Court on your behalf
  • Obtain the Probate and securely send it to you

How long does this process take?

Typically, obtaining the grant of probate takes 2-3 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, 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.

 

 

Probate Department Staff Profiles:

David Farr – Director

David is the head of the department and has over 20 years’ experience in wills and probate.

David joined us as a trainee solicitor in 1983 and qualified as a solicitor in 1985.

David also works in the Residential Conveyancing and Commercial Property Departments.

Wills and probate account for 70% of David’s current workload.

 

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 Farr, Wills and Probate Director

david.farr@ker.co.uk

01708 757575

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