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Probate

It is extremely difficult to estimate costs as every probate matter is different with Estates varying in size and complexity. At Pope and Co, we do not charge a percentage of the value of the Estate but instead charge for the time and work we carry out.

Probate cases are handled by:

  • Justin Way LLB Hons - Solicitor and Partner of the firm – admitted 1993
  • Olivia Cooke- Probate Executive undertaking probate work since 2020 supervised by Justin Way
  • Daniel John Milan LLB Hons - Solicitor and Partner of the firm – admitted 2001

Obtaining Grant of Probate/Letters of Administration

Timescale

It is hard to give accurate timescales for Probate as so much depends on the circumstances of the Estate and third-party involvement (eg the Courts, HMRC and financial institutions). Subject to being able to establish and being provided with details of the Estate assets and liabilities, the issue of Grant of Probate/Letters of Administration takes on average between 6-10 months from date of instruction, with the Probate Registry giving a predicted timescale of 16 weeks to process the application following submission.

Key Stages

  • Initial meeting
  • Obtaining necessary information required for the application for Grant of Probate
  • Completing the necessary forms in support of the application for Grant of Probate
  • Reporting to HMRC and paying Inheritance Tax (where applicable)
  • Submitting the application for Grant of Probate
  • Dealing with any enquiries raised by the Probate Registry

Pricing

Our fee for obtaining Grant of Probate/Letters of Administration ranges between £1,000 to £2,500 (plus 20% VAT).

Our hourly rates range from £175.00 to £250.00 (plus 20% VAT) depending on the fee earner undertaking the work. Letters/emails sent and telephone calls are charged at one-tenth of the hourly rate (plus 20% VAT).

Costs may exceed such estimates in complex matters (for example where there are multiple financial institutions with whom funds are held, where property and/or business professional valuations are required) and large estates.

Disbursements

Disbursements are costs relating to your matter that are payable to third parties and are not included in the above fee estimates

Disbursements likely to arise (excluding any property/business valuation/Accountancy costs/missing Will/Beneficiary insurance/enquiry agents that may be required)

  • Court fee for application: £273.00
  • Additional office copies of Grant of Probate/Letters of Administration: £1.50 each
  • Land Registry Fee for office copy entries: £3.00 per property title (plus 20% VAT)

Full Administration of Estates

Timescale

It is hard to give accurate timescales for Probate as so much depends on the circumstances of the Estate and third-party involvement (eg the Courts, HMRC and financial institutions). Subject to being able to establish and being provided with details of the Estate assets and liabilities, the issue of Grant of Probate/Letters of Administration takes on average between 6-10 months from date of instruction, with the Probate Registry giving a predicted timescale of 16 weeks to process the application following submission. The average timescale to collate assets, discharge liabilities and arrange distributions of funds is a further 3-6 months. These timescales are likely to be exceeded if there is a property/business sale waiting to complete; any issues as to income tax and/or inheritance tax: beneficiaries to trace/approve draft final estate accounts; or any challenge to the Will or intestacy.

Key Stages

  • Obtaining Grant of Probate
  • Collating Estate funds
  • Discharging liabilities of the Estate
  • Placing Trustee Notices
  • Calculating any Income Tax and reporting to HMRC
  • Producing Estate Accounts
  • Paying Legacies
  • Distributing the Estate

Pricing

Our fees for the full Administration of Estate ranges between £1,500.00 to £5,000.00 (plus 20% VAT).

Our hourly rates range from £175.00 to £250.00 (plus 20% VAT) depending on the Fee Earner undertaking the work. Letters/emails sent and telephone calls are charged at one-tenth of the hourly rate (plus 20% VAT).

Such costs are in addition to costs for obtaining Grant of Probate and excluding any conveyancing costs for any assent/transfer/sale of any property.

Costs may exceed such estimates in complex matters (for example where there are multiple financial institutions with whom funds are held, where property and/or business professional valuations are required and large estates, or where there are multiple beneficiaries)

Disbursements

Disbursements are costs relating to your matter that are payable to third parties and are not included in the above fee estimates

Disbursements likely to arise (excluding any property/business valuation/Accountancy costs/missing Will/Beneficiary insurance/enquiry agents that may be required)

  • Court fee for application: £273.00
  • Additional office copies of Grant of Probate/Letters of Administration: £1.50 each
  • Trustee Act 1925 Notices: approximately £175.00-£250.00 (plus 20% VAT)
  • Telegraphic Transfer Fee : £12.00 (plus 20% VAT) per beneficiary
  • Bankruptcy Search Fee: £2.00 per beneficiary (plus 20% VAT)
  • Land Registry Fee for office copy entries: £3.00 per property title (plus 20% VAT)