We will help you safeguard your financial assets and ensure your family is provided for. It is crucial to make a Will these days, but we understand that getting started can feel overwhelming. We’re here to talk you through the process and prepare a bespoke Will which will mean your loved ones are supported and won’t have to face costly and stressful challenges.
After a death, it is important the estate is administered with sympathy and managed carefully. Throughout the process of obtaining valuations of all the assets of the estate, agreeing the tax liability, applying for Grant of Probate (or letters of administration in the event that there is no Will), possible variation of the Will or the Intestacy and general administration of the estate, our solicitors are known for their efficiency, accuracy and approachability.
We know making a Will isn’t often high on everyone’s list of priorities but our team work hard to ensure all of our clients leave with the confidence their future wishes will be honoured, and their family looked after.
Expertise
- Bespoke Will writing
- Setting up trusts
- Succession and estate planning
- Probate and estate administration
- Advising on a range of tax issues
- Contesting a Will
- Appointing lasting powers of attorney
Below are details for the likely costs involved in Wills and Probate transactions:
WILLS
Basic will – £250 plus VAT
Mirror wills – £400 plus VAT
More complex wills – time recorded @ £250 plus VAT per hour – between £250-750 plus VAT
PROBATES
In general we charge 1% of the gross value of the estate plus VAT and disbursements. However the exact cost will depend on the individual circumstances of the matter. For example, if there is one beneficiary and no property, costs will be lower. If there are multiple beneficiaries, a property and multiple bank accounts, costs will be nearer the 1% gross value of the estate.
We will handle the full process for you. This quote is for all types of estate whether there is a valid will or not. If disputes arise this is likely to lead to an increase in costs. Each case is assessed on it’s own merits and you will be provided with a detailed estimate after a consultation. You will also be kept advised of costs incurred throughout the transaction and at any point when the costs exceed the amount initially quoted to you.
Once an application for probate has been submitted, it can usually take between 6-12 months for the grant of probate to be issued. This timescale can depend on a number of factors, including how quickly you provide information, the size or value of the estate, as well as how quickly the probate registry deal with the application and whether any inheritance tax is payable.
Disbursements include:
- Probate application fee of £273.00 (if the value of the estate is over £5,000, nil if below)
- £1.50 per additional copy of the probate document
- £5-7.00 Swearing of the oath (per executor)
- £150-200 plus VAT in relation to a post in The London Gazette and in the Local Press – Protects against unexpected claims from unknown creditors.
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.
VAT is currently charged at 20% of the value of the cost or disbursement
The quote does not deal with the actual sale of any property in the estate.
A full copy of our Terms & Conditions can be viewed here
