Probate pricing

Option 1 – Grant only Probate – no inheritance tax payable

If you would like us to just help you with the application to the Probate Registry, we offer a fixed fee of £1,200 plus VAT at 20% (£240) and disbursements (Probate Registry fee: £300 plus £1.50 for each copy of the Grant).  This would be to complete a simple application based on you providing all the details of the estate. (No residence nil rate band application, using a Power of Attorney, advice re: validity of a Will etc). 

Option 2 – Grant only Probate – no inheritance tax payable

Where a full IHT400 is required then the fixed fee will be £2,400 + VAT at 20% (£480) (no tax payable)

Option 3 – Grant only Probate – inheritance tax payable

Fee will be in the region of £2,600 - £5,000 + VAT at 20% (£520-£1,000)and disbursements

Option 4 – Full Estate Administration – No tax

Applying for the grant, collecting and distributing the assets where there is no tax payable.

We anticipate this will take between 10 and 20 hours work up to a maximum of £275 per hour (subject to a minimum fee of £2,000 + VAT at 20% (£400) and disbursements).  Our fees will be calculated in accordance with the time spent on the matter (maximum hourly rate £275 + VAT at 20% (£55) per hour).

The exact cost will depend on the individual circumstances of the matter. For example, if there is one beneficiary and no property, costs will be at the lower end of the range. If there are multiple beneficiaries, a property and multiple bank accounts, costs will be at the higher end.

Option 5 – Full Estate Administration where full IHT 400 is required and inheritance tax payable.

As option 4 but the time involved will depend on the complexity of the matter but an average would be up to 40 hours.

There may of course be further options which will be discussed before any work is undertaken.

Potential additional costs

If there is no will or the estate consists of any share holdings (stocks and bonds) there is likely to be additional costs that could range significantly depending on the estate and how it is to be dealt with. We can give you a more accurate quote once we have more information.

If any additional copies of the grant are required, they will cost £1.50 (1 per asset usually recommended).

Dealing with the sale or transfer of any property in the estate is not included.

If the Will includes a trust then in most circumstances, this (and any associated property trust), will need to be registered on HMRC's Trust Register.  We can assist with this element at an extra cost. 

How long will this take?

On average, estates are dealt with within 9-12 months. (Subject to HMCTS delays and if any claim is made under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975.

Disbursements Payable

Disbursements included in this fee:

• Probate application fee of £300 and £1.50 per copy of the Grant
• Bankruptcy-only Land Charges Department searches (£2 per beneficiary)
• Advertisements in the London Gazette and local newspaper – Protects against unexpected claims from unknown creditors  – This also helps to protect against unexpected claims. Approximate fee £200 plus VAT at 20% (£40)

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.

Potential additional disbursements

No two probate cases are the same.  In some circumstances additional disbursements will be required which could include:

Financial searches - prices range from £165 to £195 plus VAT @ 20% (£33-£39) dependent on provider;

Bankruptcy searches - £2 per beneficiary;

Land Registry fees (office copy entries) £3;

Will Search (if existence or whereabouts of Will is unknown). Price varies depending on provider and level of search required.  Cost typically ranges from £50 to £350 plus VAT @ 20% (£10-£70);

There may be other disbursements required during the estate administration such as Credit and Liabilities Checks, Shares Valuations, Asset Valuations, Overseas Bankruptcy Checks and Online Identity Checks.

We will notify you of any other disbursements and the appropriate fee.

Reviewed: November 2024