The following information relates to the full process of application for a grant of probate to an estate, and for the collection and distribution of estate assets.

Standard estate criteria

• There is a valid will.

• There are no more than 10 bank or building society accounts.

• There are no other intangible assets.

• All assets are located in England and Wales.

• There are no assets with a complex structure for encashment or assets relevant to the estate but subject to trusts.

• There are no shareholdings (stock and bonds or portfolios of the same).

• There are 1-10 beneficiaries.

• There are no disputes of whatever nature - for example, issues between beneficiaries on division of assets, problems with the interpretation of the will, difficulties between the executors (the persons administering the estate), or otherwise. If disputes arise this is likely to lead to an increase in costs.

• There is no inheritance tax payable and the executors do not need to submit a full account to HMRC.

• There are no claims made against the estate.

For a standard estate administration our fee includes

• Notifying the relevant organisations of the death.

• Obtaining details of the estate assets and liabilities.

• Completing the basic HMRC return form (IHT205) and dealing with straightforward enquiries from HMRC in relation to such form.

• Obtaining the grant of probate.

• Collecting the estate assets.

• Settling liabilities.

• Preparing estate accounts.

• Distributing the estate to the beneficiaries.

• Keeping relevant parties updated of the progress of the administration of the estate.

• An assessment of the deceased’s income and capital gains tax position at date of death and assessment of the tax position during the administration of the estate.

It is anticipated that the administration of a standard estate will take between 15 and 30 hours work.  We aim to ensure that all work carried out is done at the right level and for the right value. Our current hourly rates are:

All fees are exclusive of VAT which will be payable in addition.

We will work with you closely to understand your objectives so we can provide advice that is clear, proportionate, and focused on achieving the outcome you need. The cost will vary depending on the individual circumstances and complexity of the matter.  We will discuss with you our fees when we are formally engaged and have agreed the scope of the services that we are providing.

Additional disbursements could be incurred depending on the circumstances, for example, property valuation fees, personal possessions and household contents valuation fees, house clearance fees, stockbrokers’ fees in relation to share dealings and so on. These will be advised as soon as they become known.

N.B. Advertisement prices fluctuate and an accurate quote will be obtained for each case.