Probate
Losing somebody you love can be hard enough to cope with emotionally without having to deal with the practical aspects as well. Probate is the legal process to effectively deal with the distribution of someone’s estate once they have passed away and can seem an overwhelming task to most people.
With many accountants and banks charging high percentages for probate administration, it may seem that you have no alternative but to try and deal with the task yourself. However, please contact Willsons Solicitors first as we are able to offer various low cost solutions.
We take pride in providing a sympathetic and personal service to suit your Probate needs. Depending on your own particular circumstances, we can offer various levels of assistance. These can range from giving you help and advice on how to complete Probate, Inheritance Tax and Property transfer forms, to a total Probate or administration service whereby no interviews with the Probate Office or Probate Registry are necessary. Willsons Solicitors can also provide these same services in the event there is no Will.
Applying for the grant, collecting and distributing the assets
We anticipate this will take between 4 and 24 hours work at the partners rate of £225 – £240 per hour. Total costs estimating at £1000-£6000 (+VAT).
The exact cost will depend on the individual circumastances of the matter. For example, if there is one beneficiary and no property and one or two bank accounts costs will be atthe lower end of the range. If there are multiple beneficiaries, more than one property, multiple bank accounts, shares, trusts etc. additional costs will occur.
We will handle the full process for you. This quote is for estates where:
- There is a valid will;
- There is only one freehold property;
- There are no more than 2 bank/building society accounts;
- There are no other intagible assets;
- There is one benefeciary;
- 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 claims made against the estate.
Disbursements:
- Probate application fee of £273.00
- Copy of Probate (Office Copy) £1.50 each
- Bankruptcy-only Land Charges Department searches (£2.00 per beneficiary)
- Post in The London Gazette – Protects against unexpected claims from unknown creditors. Fee on the London Gazette website.
- Post in a Local Newspaper, this price will vary dependant on your location and the paper chosen – 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 constists 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 required).
- Dealing with the sale or transfer of any property in the estate is not included.
How long will this take?
On average, estates that fall within this range are dealt with within 6-12 months. Typically, obtaining the grant of probate takes 6 weeks. Collecting assets then follows, which can take between 6-12 weeks. Once this has benn done, we can distribute the estate, which normally takes up to 6 weeks.
Applying for Grant of Probate only – Fixed Fee
Probate
We can help you through this difficult process by obtaining the Grant of Probate on your behalf. We will not undertake the collecting and distrbutution of assets for this fixed fee.
How much does this service cost?
Fixed fee: Between £850-£1000 (plus VAT).
This includes: Obtaining the grant only.
Breakdown of costs:
Legal fees: £850-£1000
VAT on legal fees: 20% (current standard rate)
Disbursements:
- Probate court fee of £273;
- If any additional copies of the grant are required, they will cost £1.50 (1 per asset is usually required).
Disbursements are costs relating 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 Fee Earner to work on your matter;
- Identify the legally appointed executors or administrators;
- 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 returns;
- Draft a legal oath for you to swear;
- Make the application to the Probate Court on your behalf;
- Obtain the Probate and securly send two copies to you.
Please note the completion of IHT400 will not be included in fixed fee arrangements.
On average, estates that fall within this range are dealt with within 1-3 months.
Additional Information
Why make a Will?
Update your Will
What to Consider
Meet The Wills & Probate Team
About Annamaria
Annamaria graduated from the De Montfort University in Leicester before qualifying as a Solicitor in 1997. She has practiced law locally in Nuneaton and Bedworth since 1985 and has worked as a solicitor locally since qualifying.
At the beginning of her career, Annamaria dealt with all aspects of family law. In recent years, Annamaria has turned her skills to private client work. Her skills from her days as a family lawyer have stood her in good stead for this, as often preparing Wills needs an understanding of family dynamics.
Annamaria is very excited about the merger, and to be a part of a dynamic busy practice headed by the senior partner Bob Willson. She is working closely with Bob in the Private Client department, preparing Wills, and dealing with Probate for clients as well as Lasting Powers Of Attorneys, which are needed by most of our clients.
Annamaria considers her strengths to be her client relationships. She has an excellent rapport with her clients and will strive to ensure that they are provided a good service that meets their needs and expectations. Annamaria offers both understanding and compassion in what can often be very difficult circumstances. The priority for her is to ensure that clients are made to feel comfortable and at ease,knowing they are in capable hands.
Away from work, Annamaria loves nothing better than taking her spaniel Basil for long walks and spending time with her friends and family. Summer months keep her busy gardening, which she finds relaxing, and she also has a 9 hive apiary which keeps her busy. Any excuse to watch local team Leicester Tigers or any national rugby match is a bonus.