Probate – Grant Only

Below we have set out examples of pricing structures for a situation where no inheritance tax is payable and you only want us to apply for a grant of probate. This grant application service is also available if there is no will (intestacy) although this firm’s charges may be higher.

FAQs
What is involved in a typical case?

This service is available if there is a valid will and the estate qualifies for completion of the short form Inheritance Tax return (IHT205).

We will prepare all the documents required to obtain a grant of probate, based on information supplied by you. We will also submit the application to the Probate Registry, avoiding any need for you to visit the Probate Registry personally. Once the grant of probate has been obtained you will be responsible for collecting the assets, paying liabilities and arranging distribution of the estate to the beneficiaries.

This service includes the following:

  • Preparing Inheritance Tax return (this has to be completed even though there is no tax liability);
  • Drafting executors’ oath;
  • Reviewing the documents with the executors and arranging signature;
  • Submitting the application to the Probate Registry;
  • Checking the grant when issued and sending the original grant and official copies to the executors.
What assumptions have we made?

Please note that all of the price guidelines below are based on the following assumptions:

  • All assets are located in the UK;
  • The estate does not include any business assets or agricultural property;
  • All beneficiaries can be readily identified and their whereabouts is known;
  • The deceased did not have an interest in any trust funds;
  • The terms of the will are clear;
  • There is no dispute regarding the estate.
How much would a typical case cost?

Our charges for this service will be between £1,500 and £2,000 plus VAT (the precise charge will depend on the requirements for the Inheritance Tax return).

What would we have to pay to others on your behalf?

In addition to our charges there will be the following expenses:

  • Oath fees – usually between £10 and £20;
  • Probate Registry fee – approximately £160.
How long would a typical case take?

Once you have supplied all required information we aim to obtain the grant within 6 weeks although this timescale cannot be guaranteed as some factors (such as the response time of the Probate Registry) are beyond our control.

Who would be handling my case?

Details of our team and their experience can be found here.

Once we fully understand your needs, we will assign your case to the most appropriate member of our team. All work done by the team is ultimately supervised by the Team Leader or one of the other partners in the team. The lawyers in our team are supported by paralegals and other assistants to ensure that your case is handled efficiently and cost-effectively.

Click here for full estate administration services where the inheritance tax is payable, or click here for full estate administration services where no inheritance tax is payable.