Probate Fees & Costs
‘Probate’ is the process of administering a person's estate after they have died, either according to their Will or, where there is no valid Will, the Rules of Intestacy.
Wrigleys has extensive experience in administering a wide range of estates. Depending on the circumstances, we may be able to offer either to charge based on the time spent dealing with the matter or on the basis of a fixed-fee.
Our current hourly rates for probate work range from £150 plus VAT (£180 including VAT) for a paralegal to £505 plus VAT (£606 including VAT) for a senior partner. Hourly rates are reviewed annually.
Our probate services
The scope of every retainer is different. For illustration purposes, we may offer clients one or both of the following options:
- Obtaining the Grant of Probate only
We undertake all the work necessary to obtain the Grant of Probate, after which you deal with the further administration of the estate; or
- Full estate administration
We obtain the Grant of Probate and manage the administration of the estate from start to finish, including dealing with assets, liabilities and distributions. Property sales and specialist property advice would be handled separately by our Property team.
As every estate is different, we can only provide a tailored estimate once we have reviewed the Will (or Intestacy position), assets, liabilities and any factors that may affect the administration.
For illustration, costs concerning a straightforward estate (with only a UK residential property and a limited number of UK bank or building society accounts and which does not require an Inheritance Tax return) may be:
- For obtaining the Grant of Probate only: from £3,500 plus VAT (£4,200 including VAT)
- For full estate administration: from £9,200 plus VAT (£11,040 including VAT)
Factors that can increase costs
Costs may be higher where an estate involves:
- Trusts
- Overseas assets
- Domicile considerations
- Business or agricultural property relief claims
- Gifts made within seven years of death
- Heritage or other specialist assets
- Complex tax issues
Disbursements
In addition to our fees, you may need to pay third-party costs, including:
- Probate Registry fee: £526
- Additional sealed copies of the Grant: £2 each
- Bank transfer fees
- Statutory advertisement fees (London Gazette fees from £96.55 plus VAT)
- Asset valuation fees
Further information
The figures above are examples only. Once we understand the details of the estate, we will provide a tailored estimate of likely fees and disbursements. Any estimate may be reviewed if the scope of work changes during the administration.
VAT and disbursements are charged in addition at the applicable rate.
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Should you have any queries about our services or costs, please do not hesitate to contact: Kieran McIvor | Partner Wrigleys Solicitors LLP |
