Our fees
Our costs are based on the length of time we spend on the file at our charging rate of £325 plus VAT per hour. In a straightforward matter, we would expect our costs to be around £3,000-5,000 plus VAT. In addition, there are the following estimated expenses that have to be paid to third parties:
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Probate Fee (if estate over £5k) | £273 |
| Oath Fee (per executor) | £7.00 |
| Bankruptcy Search (per beneficiary) | £2.90 |
| AML check (per person) | £6 |
| Copy of grant or probate (per copy) | £1.50 |
| Statutory Advertisement | £353.58 (estimated) |
We can offer an initial meeting with you to explain what we can do for you and an estimate of the likely legal costs before you instruct us to act.
Fees as provided by Wellingtons Solicitors.
Key stages and typical timescalesDraft for confirmation by Wellingtons
First meeting and gathering information
We confirm the executors and beneficiaries, review the will and death certificate, and write to banks, pension providers and other organisations to value the assets and debts. Usually 4 to 8 weeks, depending on how quickly they reply.
Inheritance Tax
We work out whether Inheritance Tax is payable, prepare the HMRC forms the estate needs and arrange payment of any tax due before the application. Where an HMRC form is required, HMRC asks applicants to wait 20 working days before applying for probate.
Applying for the grant
We prepare the probate application and the executors’ statement of truth and submit them to HM Courts & Tribunals Service. Processing times are set by the Probate Registry and change over time; we tell you the current published estimate when we apply.
Collecting the assets and paying debts
Once the grant is issued we close accounts, collect the assets, pay debts and expenses, place the statutory advertisement for creditors (which runs for at least two months) and carry out bankruptcy searches against beneficiaries.
Estate accounts and distribution
We prepare estate accounts for the executors to approve and then distribute the estate to the beneficiaries.
Overall timescale. A straightforward estate usually takes between 9 and 12 months from instruction to final distribution. Selling a property, a delay at a bank or HMRC, or a large number of beneficiaries can make it longer.
Who will handle your matterDraft for confirmation by Wellingtons
Probate matters are supervised by Taras Demchuk, Managing Partner, who advises on wills, probate and succession planning. Day-to-day work may be carried out by a member of the team under his supervision.
Not included in these feesDraft for confirmation by Wellingtons
- Contested estates, disputes between beneficiaries and claims against the estate
- Assets outside the UK, trusts arising under the will, and the sale of a property (quoted separately)
- Detailed tax planning or advice beyond the Inheritance Tax forms needed for the estate