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Probate (IHT400 Estate)

 

We can help you through this difficult process by obtaining the Grant of Probate on your behalf. We will also undertake the collecting and distributing of assets.

 

How much does this service cost?

We estimate our fees (excluding VAT and disbursements) will be approximately £6,000 to £12,000 for the administration of an estate that requires submission of an IHT400 form to HMRC prior to making the application to the Probate Registry. VAT will be charged at 20% on top of our fees and information regarding likely disbursements is set out below.

No two probate matters are ever the same so our fees will reflect the particular requirements of the estate you are asking us to deal with. The figures outline above may vary in cases with added complexities and therefore we cannot give you a fully reliable estimate of the cost of us helping you until we have full details of the estate. When we have that information we will give you an individual cost estimate. Of course, if during the course of the administration, the estate develops any unexpected complications we will always advise you of this and would fully discuss the potential consequences of that before any additional charges are incurred.

Our charges will generally be calculated primarily by reference to the time spent on the matter, although other factors may be taken into account. These include the complexity of the matter, the importance and urgency of the matter to you; and the skill, effort, specialist knowledge and responsibility involved in dealing with it on your behalf. The time spent will be charged in units of one-tenth of an hour.

Our hourly rates vary depending on the level of experience of the practitioner(s) assigned to your matter. Our hourly rates range from £95 to £350 plus VAT and are reviewed on an annual basis.

Regardless of who works on your matter, they will be supervised by an appropriately qualified practitioner. Nicola Weldon, Partner and Head of Department, will have overall supervision for all practitioners within the department.

Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as court fees. We handle the payment of the disbursements, where possible, on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.

Potential Disbursements:

 

  • Probate court fee of £273 for estates with a value exceeding £5,000 (+ £1.50 each per office copy)
  • Bankruptcy-only Land Charges Department searches (£2 + VAT per beneficiary)
  • Land Registry office copies £6 + VAT
  • Advertisements in The London Gazette and a Local Newspaper – to protect against unexpected claims from unknown creditors are approximately £250 + VAT depending on the newspaper.

As part of our fee we will

 

  • Provide you with an experienced probate practitioner to work on your matter
  • Help you identify the legally appointed executors or administrators and beneficiaries
  • Identify the type of Probate application you will require
  • Obtain valuations of the estate asset and liabilities
  • Complete the Probate application and the relevant HMRC forms
  • Make the application to the Probate Court on your behalf
  • Obtain the Probate
  • Collect and distribute assets in the estate

We would expect Estates that fall within this range are dealt with within 12 months, but you should bear in mind that sometimes these matters can be swifter or in some cases take considerably longer due to matters outside our control. We will, however, make every possible effort to ensure that it is completed as soon as is reasonably practicable and to keep you informed of progress.

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Get in touch

If you have any enquiries please fill out this contact form and one of our lawyers will be in touch.


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