Probate: uncontested with all assets in the UK
We can help you through this difficult process by obtaining the Grant of Probate or letters of administration on your behalf. A grant of probate is provided where there is a will but where there is no will letters of administration are required. We will also undertake the collecting and distributing of assets.
Our fees relating to obtaining a grant of probate or letters of administration depend on the complexity of the matter. Our fees provided here only apply to uncontested estates and on the basis that all assets are in the UK. We would require full details of the estate, the assets and any lifetime gifts in order to provide an accurate quotation.
Once we have accurate information on the estate, we can either offer a fixed fee or a percentage based on the gross value of the estate.
The percentage range we charge is usually between 1% to 5% plus VAT of the gross value of the estate. VAT is chargeable at 20% on the fees payable. The percentage fee agreed depends on the complexity of the estate and we would ask full details about the estate before we are able to provide you a quotation. A fixed fee can be provided for more straightforward cases.
In addition to the legal fees there are disbursements payable that we pay to 3rd parties such as the following:
- Probate court fee of £300 if the value of the estate is over £5000. If the value of the estate is less than £5000 there is no court fee payable.
- Extra copies of the grant of probate or letters of administration are £1.50 each
- £5 Swearing of the oath (per executor).
- Bankruptcy-only Land Charges Department searches (£7.80 per beneficiary).
- Will Search £450 plus VAT
- Inheritance Tax – this is tax charged by HMRC on estates exceeding a net value of £325,000. This tax is complex and depends on various factors relating to the estate. Further information on IHT can be found on the HMRC website using this link https://www.gov.uk/guidance/hmrc-tools-and-calculators#inheritance-tax
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
- Obtain the relevant documents required to make the application
- 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 two copies to you
- Collect and distribute all assets in the estate
Our fee does not include the sale or transfer of the deceased’s property or any amendments such as deed of variation or any tax advice. We may also charge separately for liaising with third parties which are not included within the scope of work but we will confirm all the fees and disbursements to you prior to you instructing us.
On average, estates that fall within this range are dealt with within 6 -12 months. Typically, obtaining the grant of probate takes 3 – 4 months depending on the Courts current backlog. Collecting assets then follows, which can take between 1 – 6 months. Once this has been done, we can distribute the assets, which normally takes 1 – 6 months.
Chris Charalambous is an experienced Solicitor who qualified in 2001 and also a Director of the firm. He specialises in this area of law and will be handling your case.
