Fee Estimates: Uncontested Probate Matters

Uncontested probate – Full administration

Our experienced team here at Alen-Buckley are able to obtain a Grant of Probate to the Estate and deal with full administration, as required. Costs for dealing with obtaining the Grant of Probate and administration of the estate are based upon our hourly charges and are therefore variable

Range of costs

Simple Matters: £1200 to £2500 plus VAT (currently 20%)

Medium complexity Matters:  £2500 to £4000 plus VAT (currently 20%)

More complex Matters: £4000+ plus VAT (currently 20%)

The fees will vary according to the number of hours spent on the matter however most range from £1200 – £4,000 plus VAT (currently 20%).

Matters of a more simple nature i.e. one beneficiary and no property will be at the lower end of the range; more complex matters such as multiple beneficiaries, property, bank accounts, and other assets will be towards the higher end.

We estimate that the average matter will take approximately 2 to 3 months and cost in the region of £2500 plus VAT.

The quotes above are for matters where:

  • There is a valid will or simple intestacy where the estate passes to the surviving spouse and / or adult children only;
  • There is no more than one property;
  • There are bank accounts with no more than 3 or more financial institutions;
  • There are no other assets (apart from personal effects);
  • There are no more than 4 beneficiaries;
  • There are no disputes between beneficiaries on division of assets.

There are a number of factors that could make the matter more complex and in turn increase costs. These can include, but are not limited to:

  • Disagreements between executors and/or beneficiaries;
  • Complexity of the tax position;
  • Difficulty in obtaining information from third parties – asset providers, HMRC, executors etc.;
  • Delays in property or other assets being sold;
  • Post death Deeds of Variation;
  • Corrective Account and/or Claim for Loss Relief;
  • Consideration of Capital Gains Tax position including Deeds of Appropriation;
  • Negotiations with District Value and HMRC re: property valuations and business property;
  • Further enquiries received from HMRC.

There are a number of factors that could make the matter simpler and in turn decrease costs. These can include, but are not limited to:

  • IHT205 required rather than anticipated IHT400
  • Claim against estate does not materialise
  • Retainer limited to Grant only rather than full administration

Additional Disbursements

There are a number of disbursements that may need to be paid in addition to the above costs including:

  • Probate fees – £155 plus 50p per copy of the Grant (Please note these are due to increase in April 2016)
  • Swear fees – £7 per personal representative (usually)
  • Land Registry fees – dependent on value of property
  • Valuation fees – chattels, property, business etc dependent on value and type of valuation required
  • Statutory notices to protect the executors against claims
  • Bankruptcy searches – £2 per search
  • Land Registry Search on title – £6
  • Unclaimed Asset registry search – £25

Timescales

Our team estimate that the average matter will take approximately 2 to 3 months.

The team

Our Private Client team based in London can guide you through your probate matters. Click on the links below to view their individual profiles.

For more information

For more information about using our professional services for uncontested probate matters, please get in touch either by telephone, email or our website enquiry form.  One of our team would be delighted to speak to you and provide you with a fixed fee bespoke to your needs.