Probate Services – Fees and Information
Our Fees
We are committed to clear and transparent pricing. Fees depend on the size and complexity of the estate, and we will provide a personalised written estimate before commencing work.
Grant of Probate – Application Only
If you require assistance obtaining the Grant but will administer the estate yourself:
Typical fixed fee: £1,250 – £2,500 + VAT
This includes preparing the necessary Inheritance Tax return and probate application. It does not include collecting assets or distributing the estate.
Full Estate Administration
Where we administer the estate on your behalf, fees are typically:
- £2,500 – £6,500 plus VAT for a straightforward estate
- £6,500 – £12,000 plus VAT for more complex estates
Fees may be based on time spent or, in limited cases by agreement, a small percentage of the estate.
Our hourly rates are:
- Director: £165 + VAT
- Staff: £100 + VAT
What Our Service Includes
Our probate services may include:
- Valuing assets and liabilities
- Preparing Inheritance Tax returns
- Applying for the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration
- Collecting assets
- Paying debts and liabilities
- Preparing estate accounts
- Distributing funds to beneficiaries
Disbursements
In addition to our fees, third-party costs may include:
- Probate application fee: £273
- Official copies of the Grant: £1.50 per copy
- Bankruptcy searches: approximately £2 per beneficiary
- Statutory notices (if required)
- Property or professional valuations (if required)
Probate Process and Timescales
The main stages of probate typically include:
- Gathering estate information
- Valuing assets
- Submitting tax forms
- Applying for the Grant
- Collecting assets and settling liabilities
- Preparing estate accounts
- Distributing the estate
Obtaining the Grant usually takes 8–16 weeks from submission (subject to Probate Registry timescales). A straightforward estate administration typically takes 6–12 months. More complex estates may take longer.
Timescales can be affected by property sales, HMRC processing, third-party delays or disputes.
Please call us for more information.