Our fees for probate services
Below is an estimate for attaining a grant of representation as well as administering a non-taxable estate. Our fees are calculated on an hourly rate and an estimated cost for this service is provided below based on a typical case. This estimate includes completing and submitting paperwork in relation to taxation, application for the grant of representation, discharging any liabilities, and the administration of the estate on your behalf.
The prices below are an estimate of the total cost and include VAT and disbursements.
Estimated Cost: £1,884 – £3,036.00
Hourly Rate: £240.00 plus VAT of £48.00 a total hourly rate of £288.00
Disbursement – Probate Registry Fee – £300
Estimated Hours: 5.5 – 9.5
Estimated Timescale: 20– 28 weeks
For a taxable estate there would be between 2 and 5 hours additional work which would be a total of £480 – £1200.
The price includes:
- Completion and submission of Inheritance Tax forms for non-taxable estates
- The preparation and submission of the application for grant of representation
- Gathering the estate’s assets
- Distributing those assets to up to 2 beneficiaries of the estate
- VAT
The estimate is based on a service which includes us dealing with one property and four bank/building society accounts. This would apply if it is a non-taxable estate and where we would be distributing assets to up to two beneficiaries.
Get a more accurate quote
Every case is different, so to get a bespoke estimate contact us today and we can discuss the specifics of yours.
Call: 029 2086 6001
Email: admin@evansandgreaves.co.uk
There may be additional tax due on this matter which would be separate to the estimated cost.
For additional information on Inheritance Tax please visit the gov.uk website:
gov.uk/inheritance-tax
Please note this fee does not include:
- The cost of a transfer or sale of property
- Tracing beneficiaries
- IHT Payable
- Enquiries regarding the validity of the Will
Disbursements are costs related to third party services which we pay on your behalf.
The following disbursements are not included in the above price:
- Probate Registry fee for official copies (£3.00 per two copies)
- swearing of document fees (if applicable)
- Will search
- Adverts for protection against unexpected claims
We generally deal with these cases by mail or telephone. More than two face-to-face meetings throughout the transactions could increase fees quoted.
Please note:
- These fees do not apply where any assets of the estate are outside of the UK
- These fees do not apply if the Will or distribution of the estate is contested or the executors are in dispute
- These fees do not apply if there is a claim against the estate under the Inheritance (Family & Dependants) Act 1975
- Fees may vary dependant on individual circumstances
OUR PROCESS
PROBATE
Stage 1
Valuing the Estate
At this stage we will go through the deceased’s papers and bank statements to establish their assets and liabilities. This can be quite straightforward, however in some cases there may be multiple investments, properties, and other personal belongings to consider.
At this stage we may need to contact banks, lenders, fund managers, pension providers, the local government, the DWP, and HMRC.
Stage 2
File Inheritance Tax Forms
Regardless of whether inheritance tax must be paid inheritance tax forms must be completed. One form is used for non-taxable estates, another for taxable estates.
The personal representative will complete the related forms as well as any additional schedules to establish the amount of tax payable.
Stage 3
Pay Inheritance Tax
If there is inheritance tax payable on the estate then it must be paid prior to obtaining the grant of representation. Funds can be transferred directly from one of the deceased’s accounts for this if there are sufficient funds.
Stage 4
File Probate Forms
Once we have assessed the size of the estate we will be able to complete the probate application form by applying to the Probate Registry.
The personal representative (Executor or Administrator) will need to sign a Statement of Truth at this stage to confirm that the details of the application are correct
Stage 5
Pay Probate Fees
At this stage we will pay the applicable probate fees on your behalf. These are fixed regardless of the size of the estate and are detailed above in the disbursements section.
Stage 6
Administer the Estate
We will collect in the assets of the estate, discharge the liabilities and subsequently distribute the estate in accordance with a Will or the rule of intestacy.