Wills and Probate

A personal and sympathetic service is offered in dealing with the following sensitive matters:-

Will preparation - a preliminary Will Questionnaire can be provided as a guide.
- It is wise to review your Will from time to time, particularly if your personal circumstances change (e.g. divorce/dissolution of a civil partnership) or if there is a significant change to your assets.
- Making changes to an existing Will, either by making a new Will or a Codicil. Changes should not be written on an original Will and need to be implemented in a new Will or a Codicil.
- Your Will will be revoked by marriage/registration of civil partnership unless made specifically in contemplation of such marriage/civil partnership.

Obtaining Grant of Probate of a Will or Grant of Administration (where the Deceased did not leave a Will).

The administration of the estate of a Deceased, including closing accounts, selling or transferring property, paying legacies and preparing final Estate Accounts.

Probate Fees

My legal fees cover the work required to apply for a Grant of Probate of a Will or Grant of Administration (where the Deceased did not leave a Will), collecting and distributing the assets.

1 Grant Application - £500 & disbursements*

This service is for an application for a Grant of Probate of a Will /Letters of Administration where there is no Will on the following basis:

You provide details of the value of the estate assets and liabilities as at the date of death and you deal with administration of the estate on receipt of the Grant.

I will review the documents and information provided, calculate any Inheritance Tax (IHT) due, prepare the relevant HMRC form(s) and Legal Statement for signature, lodge the application with the Probate Registry, deal with any queries raised and forward the Grant to you on receipt.

2 Grant Application including valuation of the estate- from £800 (depending on the complexity of the matter) & disbursements*

This service is as 1 above but on the basis that I will deal with registration of the Death Certificate with relevant organisations to ascertain the estate assets and liabilities as at the date of death and you will deal with administration of the estate on receipt of the Grant.

3 Grant Application including valuation, administration and distribution of the estate- from £800 (depending on the complexity of the matter) & disbursements* plus 1% of the value of the estate

This service is as 2 above but on the basis that I will deal with administration of the estate including registration of the Grant with relevant organisations, transfer/closure/sale of assets, payment of known liabilities, payment of legacies, drafting the Estate Account for approval by the Personal Representatives and distribution of the residuary estate.

*Grant applications fee £273 (£1.50 for each additional sealed copy).

NB - My Practice is not VAT registered - VAT on legal fees nil. Disbursements include 20% VAT where applicable.

Timescale - on average up to 4 months to obtain the Grant then up to 4 months to collect the assets, prepare an Estate Account and distribute the assets.