We can assist you obtaining a Grant of Probate or dealing with the Administration of an Estate. The costs for each option are explained below.
Grant of Probate Application
Legal Fees
We offer a fixed fee to apply on your behalf for a Grant of Probate. This quote includes all necessary work done for the purposes of that application.
| Value of Estate | Legal Fees |
| £0-£325,000 | £900-£1500 plus VAT |
| £325,000-£500,000 | £1750-£2750 plus VAT |
| £500,000-£1,000,000 | £3,000-£4,000 plus VAT |
| £1,000,001 | Price on Enquiry |
Disbursements and timescales
There will also be some expenses you will need to pay in addition to these fees. These are called disbursements and include:
- £155 Probate Registry fee
- £13 for two certified copies of the Grant
- Approximately £400 for all relevant Trustee Act Notices
It usually takes about 4 months to get the Grant of Probate but it really depends on how busy the Probate Registry is when your grant application is made and can be considerably longer.
Administration of an Estate
Legal Fees
If you require assistance with the administration of an estate our solicitors can help. This work is charged on the basis of an hourly rate which varies depending on the complexity of the estate and the level of experience of lawyer doing the work.
Our rates vary from £150 and £300 per hour plus Vat. We charge in units of 6 minutes, so each hour is made up of 10 units and our charges are based upon the time spent. In unusual, high value or complex estates, we may charge an amount dependent upon the value of the estate in addition (known as an ad valorem charge) of 1% of the value of the estate excluding property and 0.5% of the value of the property. Where we do so, we will notify you in advance in writing.
As a rough guide to the type of costs involved:
- A straightforward estate with a small number of beneficiaries and no property will likely cost in the region of £3,000-£4,000+vat
- A more complicated estate with many beneficiaries, some property and several investments, shares or bank accounts will likely cost you about £12,500+vat
A more accurate estimate can always be obtained by discussing matters with your solicitor especially if you have documents setting out the value of any assets and liabilities to hand.
These typical costs include estates where there is a will and where there is no dispute between beneficiaries or challenge to the will or distribution. Such challenges would be covered by our civil litigation department.
Disbursements and timescales
There will also be some expenses you will need to pay in addition to these fees. These are called disbursements and include:
- £155 fee to the Probate Registry for the Grant of Probate
- £1.50 per certified copy of the Grant – you may need several of these
- £3 for office copies of the property title from Land Registry
- £2 for each beneficiary to complete bankruptcy searches
- Approximately £400 for all relevant Trustee Act Notices
- Valuation fees if appropriate for certain assets such as paintings or jewellery
- Expert accountancy fees where appropriate
The time taken to complete an administration of an estate will vary depending on complexity and assets. Often the work will be completed in around 12-18 months, including the time taken to obtain a grant of probate but in some instances may be longer.