More often than not, we act on a fixed fee basis in probate matters. Each case is different and therefore, even though we may act for a fixed fee, each fee may be different. Where you have elected to be charged based on the time spent working on your matter, or in the exceptional circumstance where we have been unable to provide a quote for a fixed fee, we charge an hourly rate. The hourly rates of the members of the team range from £210 plus vat to £320 plus VAT and these rates are reviewed on an annual basis in January.
The basis of how we act for you and the fixed fee (if you choose this) will be fully discussed and agreed at the outset.
An example of how we work in this field is set out below.
As part of our fixed fee/hourly rate charge to obtain probate and administer the estate 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 Grant of Probate or Grant of Letters of Administration
- Collect and distribute all assets in the estate
- Provide you with a complete set of Estate accounts which gives details of the assets and liabilities at date of death, all the administration expenses and a Distribution account showing the amounts due to each beneficiary
We are happy to deal with the entire administration of the estate from obtaining all information required to make the application, applying for the Grant, completing the inheritance tax papers and finalising the inheritance tax position, collecting and distributing the assets. We are also happy to only obtain the Grant of Representation and complete the Inheritance tax paperwork, as long as you provide all the relevant information needed for the application. This would be a more cost effective option for you provided you are confident that you can handle all the pre grant and post grant paperwork required yourself.
The exact cost will depend on the individual circumstances of the matter and on how much work you wish us to do. For example, if there is one beneficiary and no property and no inheritance tax to pay, costs will be at the lower end of the range. If there are multiple beneficiaries, a property, multiple bank accounts, and inheritance tax to pay, costs will be at the higher end. If you require us to deal with the Inheritance tax and obtain the Grant only then costs will be lower. Where the matter becomes contentious or involves a foreign element, costs are likely to increase.
VAT and disbursements may be payable in addition to our fees.
Disbursements may include (but this list is not exhaustive):
- Probate court fee of £273 plus £1.50 for each office copy (needed for each asset).
- Bankruptcy-only Land Charges Department searches (£2 per beneficiary if in UK).
- Trustee Act notices in The London Gazette and a local newspaper (to protect the executors/administrators against unexpected claims from unknown creditors) – approximately £200 plus VAT but depends on the local newspapers’ charges.
- Land Registry charges for obtaining official copies of title deeds £3 and plan £3 per property
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. VAT is payable on some disbursements but not on others.
© Gordons Partnership is the trading name of Gordons Partnership 2020 Limited a company registered in England & Wales (Company Number 12464371).
Registered office is at First Floor, 1 Chancery Lane, London WC2A 1LF. VAT No: GB 629 857 388 - Site by WBJ Designs
© Gordons Partnership is the trading name of Gordons Partnership 2020 Limited a company registered in England & Wales (Company Number 12464371).
Registered office is at First Floor, 1 Chancery Lane, London WC2A 1LF. VAT No: GB 629 857 388 - Site by WBJ Designs