Cost Estimate

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The average cost of winding up an Estate is £4,000 – £6,000 + VAT and disbursements.

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There are circumstances in which the cost will be significantly lower than the average, for example if we are asked only to obtain the Grant of Probate with the Executor dealing with the winding up of the Estate. In this example, the average cost would be between £2,000 and £2,500 + VAT and disbursements. In extremely simple cases, the costs could be as low as £1,500 + VAT and disbursements.

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There are circumstances in which the cost may well be higher than the average, for example if there is a complex Inheritance Tax situation which involves considerable work in preparing the Inheritance Tax Form or extensive correspondence with HMRC, or if there are family disputes or Trusts that involve a larger than average amount of work.

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We will always give you a cost range estimate at the outset of the matter and will always speak with you throughout if circumstances arise in which we think our initial estimate will need to be revised.

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The current rate of VAT is 20%. Where VAT is referred to, this is the rate that is used.

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Hourly Rate

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The work that we do will be on an hourly rate basis. Our hourly rate for probate work is £300.00 + VAT. The hourly rate may be higher than this in cases of extreme urgency or extraordinary complexity. We would speak with you and agree this in advance in situations in which this may be necessary, but in the vast majority of cases, the hourly rate will be £300.00 + VAT.

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Who Will Carry Out The Work For You

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The members of our Firm that undertake Probate work are Sital Patel who is Directors of the Firm and a Senior Solicitor and  Suki Sandu a solicitor, both have many years of experience in Private Client work including Probate.

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Disbursements

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Examples of disbursements that could be incurred for probate work, which you are liable to pay in addition to our fees are:

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• Commissioner’s fees for swearing the Probate Oath: £5.00 for each Oath plus £2.00 for each exhibit, per person

• Probate Registry fees on obtaining the Grant of Probate: £300.00 application fee and £1.50 for each Office Copy

• Certainty Will Search: £90.00 + VAT

• Land Registry fees if changes are required to the Register

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We will let you know what disbursements are likely to be incurred when you instruct us. If this changes at any time during the matter, we will let you know.​

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Timescale

 

In our experience the administration of an estate usually takes between six & twelve months to complete depending on factors such as the size of the estate and the nature of the will. Outside factors such as whether assets need to be sold, ongoing trusts and the length of time it takes for probate to be granted will also have a bearing on the timescale. We will discuss the likely timescale with you after discussing your particular requirements and will keep you updated throughout if any circumstances arise that lead us to think that our initial estimate may need to be revised.

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Our probate services include:

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• Advising on and/or conducting all stages of the probate process

• Advising on Inheritance Tax liability

• Help completing the tax forms

• Help applying for probate

• Finding/identifying missing beneficiaries

• Advising on claims brought against the estate

 

 

Key stages in the probate process

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The stages will vary depending on the circumstances although most cases will generally involve:

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1. Meeting with the executors or the family to take instructions and discuss the process;

2. Obtaining details of assets and liabilities of the estate;

3. Preparing an inheritance tax return and probate application;

4. Collecting in the deceased’s assets and settling any liabilities; and

5. Distributing the estate and finalising the tax position.

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• If you have any concerns about our services, please view our complaints procedure here.

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