Probate & Estate Administration

There are a wide range of duties that Executors/Administrators of an Estate have to carry out, including valuing the Estate, applying for the Grant of Probate, writing letters of administration, preparing Estate accounts, collecting in the assets, paying debts and taxes and making distributions to the beneficiaries. 
Detailed advice can be given on all the above in order that the administration of the Estate is dealt with in a practical and efficient manner.

We offer a straight forward and clear approach. All probate work is undertaken by Liz Garratt, Partner with Rickards and Cleaver, who has well over 11 years experience in this field. She is ably assisted by her Personal Assistant, Sharon Croucher who has over 33 years experience in such a role.

Pricing

We anticipate that this work will typically take between 8 to 12 hours at an hourly rate of £198 per hour. The exact cost will depend on the individual circumstances of the matter.

Lower Range

  • £2000 plus vat (currently 20%) thus £2400

Middle Range

  • £3000 plus vat (currently 20%) thus £3600

Upper Range

  • £5000 plus vat (currently 20%) thus £6000
The quote for the lower range above is for estates where:

There is a valid Will

There is no more than one property

There are no more than 1 to 3 bank or building society accounts

There are no other intangible assets

There are 1 to 3 beneficiaries

There are no disputes between beneficiaries on division of assets.

  • If disputes arise this is likely to lead to an increase in costs

There is no inheritance tax payable and the executors do not need to submit a full account to HMRC.

There are no claims made against the estate

Potential additional costs

If The estate consists of any share holdings there are likely to be additional costs.

If any additional copies of the grant are required, they will cost £1.50 per copy.

Dealing with the sale or transfer of any property in the estate is not included.

Probate – Fixed Fee

We are here to support you through this challenging process by handling the Grant of Probate on your behalf for a fixed fee of £500 plus VAT (currently 20%) of £100, bringing the total to £600, plus the disbursements outlined below. If the estate is subject to inheritance tax, the fee is £750 plus VAT (currently 20%) of £150, making a total of £900, plus the disbursements. The disbursements include the Probate Court fee, which is currently £300, plus £1.50 for each additional certified copy of the Grant of Probate you may require.

obtaining the Grant with a time scale of up to 16 weeks, but typically 10-12 weeks.

Disbursements

Probate court fee - at £300.00

Swearing of the oath - at £5.00 to £7.00 (per executor).

Bankruptcy - only Land Charges Department searches - at £2.00 (per beneficiary).

Post in the London Gazette and a Local Newspaper - at £450.00 – £500.00 ( to help protect against unexpected claims)

As part of our fixed fee we will:

Provide you with a dedicated and experienced probate solicitor to work on your matter

Identify the legally appointed executors or administrators and beneficiaries

Accurately 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 oath for you to swear

Submit the application to the Probate Court on your behalf

Obtain the Probate and securely send copies to you

Estates liable to Inheritance Tax
If the estate is liable for inheritance Tax, our fees could range between £3,000.00 to £6,000.00, plus any disbursements. If an estate is has no liability for inheritance tax, but a redistribution of the assets is to be considered through a Deed of Variation, the costs would be £400.00 + VAT (£480.00)
Contact Info

Rickards & Cleaver
100 King Street,
Alfreton,
Derbyshire
DE55 7DD

 

01773 832204