The information on this page is intended as an initial guide. The precise stages involved may vary depending on the circumstances, but we will typically assist executors or administrators to obtain a Grant of Probate or Grant of Letters of Administration and then distribute assets in accordance with the Will or the Rules of Intestacy.
Please note: VAT is charged at the current standard rate of 20% on all our fees.
Typical Process
- Collating and gathering all information about the deceased’s financial affairs
- Obtaining valuations of assets and liabilities in the estate as at the date of death
- Completing any necessary Inheritance Tax return to HMRC
- Completing the application for a Grant and submitting it to the Probate Registry
- Following receipt of the Grant: collecting in all assets, paying liabilities, and distributing the balance to beneficiaries
Fee Ranges
Our hourly rates typically range from £80 to £250 (excluding VAT) depending on the complexity of the matter and the level of experience required. Estimated total costs by matter type are as follows:
| Matter Type |
Fee (excl. VAT) |
VAT (20%) |
Estimated Total |
| Straightforward Grant of Representation only (fixed fee) |
From £500 |
From £100 |
From £600 |
| Grant and transfer of property |
£1,000 + court fee + Land Registry fees |
Variable |
£1,200+ |
| Medium complexity: full estate administration |
£2,000 – £6,000 |
£400 – £1,200 |
£2,400 – £7,200 |
| High complexity: full estate administration |
£6,000 – £10,000 |
£1,200 – £2,000 |
£7,200 – £12,000 |
Factors That May Increase Complexity and Cost
- Where we are appointed as executors or given power of attorney to deal with the estate
- Substantive collection of paperwork, investigation at the deceased’s property, or large volumes of documentation
- Completing Inheritance Tax accounts for submission and arranging payment of any tax due to HMRC
- Dealing with utility bills, substantive liabilities, or placing a Section 27 notice to creditor advertisement
- Defending any claims brought against the estate
- A large number of beneficiaries requiring increased compliance for identification and payment
Disbursements
Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as the Probate Registry. We handle these payments on your behalf. Typical disbursements include:
| Disbursement |
Cost |
VAT |
Total |
| Probate Registry fee |
£155 + £1.50 per copy of the Grant |
None |
£155+ |
| Bankruptcy search (per person) |
£2.00 |
None |
£2.00 |
| Land Registry office copy entries |
£3.00 |
None |
£3.00 |
| Section 27 creditor notice advertisement |
Variable by provider |
None |
Variable |
Timescale
A standard probate matter typically takes 4 to 6 months from instruction to completion. More complex cases – for example those involving disputed assets, tax investigations, or large numbers of beneficiaries – can take considerably longer, in some cases up to 3 years.
The work in this area is supervised by Mr. Muhammad Ziaullah Khan and Ms. Aamenah Khan, Directors. Details of the lawyers who handle this work can be found on the Our People page.
Please note that VAT is charged at the standard rate of 20%.