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

We can take care of all the legal and financial aspects of administering an estate, including collecting assets, settling outstanding debts and liabilities, and distributing the estate to beneficiaries.  Our fee includes the work we carry out on your behalf, together with any third-party costs that we incur in relation to the probate application and estate administration process.

Probate matters require a personalised quotation as the amount of work can vary depending on the complexity and the circumstances. For this reason, the fees provided below are estimates, and we recommend you contact us for a bespoke quote.

An initial conversation with one of our experts allows us to ask the right questions. To discuss your situation in confidence, call our St Albans office on 01727 798 000 or email wtp@salaw.

Our probate solicitors also offer services for Lasting Powers of Attorney, Wills and Trusts. Take a look at our Wills, Trusts & Probate 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 the appropriate Legal Statement or application form for you to sign.
  • Make the application to the Probate Court on your behalf.
  • Obtain the Grant of Representation and office copies as required.
  • Collect and distribute all assets in the estate and settle liabilities in accordance with your instructions.
  • Arrange distributions to beneficiaries.

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, or charging a percentage 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:		 £2,000 – £6,000 (plus 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:		 £3,500 – £12,000 (plus 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:		 £3,500 – £12,000 (plus 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 (plus 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 will pay the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process. This includes the following:

Disbursement Fees
Probate Registry fee £526
Additional copies of the Grant of Probate £2 per additional copy at the time of the application or £16 if requested later
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 (plus VAT) per advertisement depending on the publication

 

Additional costs

Dealing with the sale or transfer of any property in the estate is not included in the cost of our probate services. We can request a quote for this work from our Residential Conveyancing team on your behalf.

How long will it take?

The table below indicates 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 12 months to 3 years

Meet the team

Who will undertake the work?

Your work will be undertaken by our wills, trusts and probate team.

See the whole team