Print page

Every probate situation is unique, and our expertise in this field means we can help you swiftly and cost-effectively.

When a person passes away, it can often be a very distressing time. SA Law’s sympathetic and practical help will guide you through the probate and estate administration process. We can handle all the necessary legal and financial requirements of collecting and distributing assets after paying off any outstanding debts. The amount you pay includes the fee for our work and any necessary payments we will make to third parties on your behalf, which are associated with probate applications and estate administration.

Probate requires a personalised quote because of the varying amount of work based on the circumstances. This is why all our fees are estimations and we advise you to call us for your bespoke quote.

Two key factors are whether you require us to undertake just the probate application, or if you need us to carry out further work, such as paying bills and legacies and notifying third parties. Our fee will also be slightly more if the estate is subject to an Inheritance Tax payment. To find out if the Inheritance Tax applies, we recommend reading the HMRC Bereavement Guide.

An initial conversation with one of our experts gives us an opportunity to ask the right questions. To discuss your situation in complete confidence, call our St Albans office on 01727 798000.

We also offer services for Wills and Trusts amongst our Probate department. Take a look at our service page for more information.

As part of our fee and in accordance with your instructions in a probate matter, we will:

  • Provide you with an experienced probate solicitor to work on your matter.
  • Identify the legally appointed executors or administrators and beneficiaries.
  • Identify the type of Probate application you will require.
  • Obtain the relevant documents required to make the application.
  • Complete the Probate Application and the relevant HMRC forms.
  • Draft a legal statement for you to sign.
  • Make the application to the Probate Court on your behalf.
  • Obtain the Probate and produce copies as required.
  • Collect and distribute all assets in the estate and settle liabilities in accordance with your instructions.

Other work may be necessary depending on the precise circumstances of the matter, and you will be advised of this and the estimated costs at the appropriate time.

If you wish to download a copy of our pricing for our probate services, then please click here.

Our fees and the work undertaken

To give you an indication of likely costs, the table below provides fee ranges based on typical situations and complexity. Bear in mind that, unlike many banks and other solicitors, SA Law does not believe in charging fees based on the value of the estate. 

For non-taxable estates
To obtain a Grant
On a non-taxable estate, whether or not there is a Will, our prices would range between:		 £1,800 – £5,000 +VAT
To obtain a Grant and deal with administration of the estate
Where we are required to obtain the Grant to deal with collecting in assets, paying bills, notifying third parties, paying legacies, placing advertisements etc. Where no inheritance tax is payable our prices would range between:		 £2,500 – £10,000 +VAT plus disbursements
For a taxable estate
To obtain a Grant for a taxable estate
Where there is a taxable estate including handling inheritance tax, our prices would range between:		 £2,500 – £10,000 +VAT plus disbursements
To obtain a Grant and deal with administration of the estate
Where we are required to obtain the Grant, including handling inheritance tax, getting in assets, paying bills, notifying third parties, paying legacies and placing advertisements then our prices would range between:		 £5,000 – £20,000 +VAT plus disbursements

Factors that can affect the complexity of the case and legal costs include the number of beneficiaries and if the deceased owned more than one property. For example, if there is one beneficiary and no property, costs will be at the lower end of our fee range. If there are multiple beneficiaries, a property and multiple bank accounts, this will be at the higher end of our range.

We can also help if you need to sell a property. Learn more about our residential conveyancing service. 

Disbursements

Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as court fees. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process. This includes the following:

Disbursement Fees
Probate Registry fee £300.00
Additional copies of the Grant of Probate £16 per additional copy
Land charges and searches in bankruptcy situations £6 per name searched
Advertisements in the London Gazette and the local newspaper to protect against unexpected claims from unknown creditors £300 – £500 +VAT per advertisement depending on the publication

In addition to the above would be any tax payments, such as Inheritance Tax, Income Tax and Capital Gains Tax.

Additional costs

  • Dealing with the sale or transfer of any property in the estate is not included. We can advise you on the costs of conveyancing with our colleagues in SA Law’s Real Estate team.

How long will it take?

The table below gives an indication of how long it can take to obtain the Grant of Probate and handle any administrative aspects. These timescales are approximate and often depend on timely responses from HMRC and the Department for Work and Pensions.

Obtaining a Grant for a non-taxable estate 3 to 6 months
Obtaining Grant for a taxable estate and dealing with HMRC 9 months to 2 years
Obtaining Grant and collecting assets in respect of a non-taxable estate 6 to 12 months
Obtaining a Grant and collecting assets for a taxable estate including finalising inheritance tax 18 months to 3 years

Meet the team

Who will undertake the work?

SA Law’s probate and estate administration services are undertaken by Catherine Robson.

See the whole team