Uncontested Probate Information and Fees

All work is undertaken by Savvas Panayiodou who has been undertaking probate work for in excess of 25 years and has experience in dealing with large, complicated estates with assets in other jurisdictions and smaller estates.
He has experience in completing all the Inheritance Tax Returns required to be filed with HM Revenue and Customs having dealt with several estates valued at several million with assets and property in other jurisdictions.

Applying for the grant, collecting and distributing the assets

We anticipate this will take between 20 and 30 hours work at £350.00 per hour plus VAT at 20%. Total costs estimated at £7000 - £22,500.00 (+VAT at 20%).
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.

We will handle the full process for you. This quote is for estates where: • There is a valid will • There is no more than one property • There are no more than one bank or building society accounts • There are no other intangible assets • There are no more than two beneficiaries • There are no disputes between beneficiaries on division of assets. If disputes arise this is likely to lead to an increase in costs • There is no inheritance tax payable and the executors do not need to submit a full account to HMRC • There are no foreign assets • There are no claims made against the estate Disbursements included in this fee (where applicable VAT is included at 20%):

• Probate application fee of £300.00

• £5 Swearing of the oath (per executor)

• Bankruptcy-only Land Charges Department searches (£2 per beneficiary)

• £60 estimate Post in The London Gazette – Protects against unexpected claims from unknown creditors.

• £120 estimate Post in a Local Newspaper – This also helps to protect against unexpected claims.

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 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 £25 (1 per asset usually).

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

We will also charge an additional fee to reflect the complexity and value of the matter this is set at 0.75% of the value of any properties of the estate and the value of assets.

How long will this take?

On average, estates that fall within this range are dealt with within 9 and 18 months. Typically, obtaining the grant of probate takes 30 40 weeks. Collecting assets then follows, which can take between 30 – 40 weeks. Once this has been done, we can distribute the assets, which normally takes 20-40 weeks.

Example (fixed fee)
Probate

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.

Assuming an estate consisting of

One House valued at £600,000.00
One Bank account holding £20,000.00
Other assets valued at £10,000.00
Total Value of estate £630,000.00
There are no other Assets
How much does this service cost?
Based on 20 hours work undertaken and additional fee as above
20 hours x £350 = £7000.00
Additional fee (£630,000 x 0.75%) = £4,725.00
Total Fixed fee excluding VAT £11,725.00
VAT at 20% (£11,725.00 x 20%) £2,345.00
TOTAL: fixed fee of £14,070.00 (incl. VAT).
This includes obtaining the grant, collecting assets and distributing them but excluding any conveyancing or sale of assets.

Breakdown of costs:

Legal fees £11,725.00
VAT on legal fees £4,725.00
Disbursements (£500 in total including VAT at 20% where applicable):

• Probate court fee of £300.

• £5 Swearing of the oath (per executor).

• Bankruptcy-only Land Charges Department searches (£2 per beneficiary).

• £150 (estimate) Post in The London Gazette – Protects against unexpected claims from unknown creditors.

• £200 (estimate) Post in a Local Newspaper – This also helps to protect against unexpected claims.

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.

As part of our fixed fee we will:

• Provide you with a dedicated and experienced probate solicitor to work on your matter

• Identify the legally appointed executors or administrators and beneficiaries

• Accurately identify the type of Probate application you will require

• Obtain the relevant documents required to make the application

• Complete the Probate Application and the relevant HMRC forms

• Draft a legal oath for you to swear

• Make the application to the Probate Court on your behalf

• Obtain the Probate and securely send two copies to you

• Collect and distribute all assets in the estate

On average, estates that fall within this range are dealt with within 9 and 18 months. Typically, obtaining the grant of probate takes 30 40 weeks. Collecting assets then follows, which can take between 30 – 40 weeks. Once this has been done, we can distribute the assets, which normally takes 20-40 weeks.