Wills and Probate
We are a family-run and operated company, which is exactly why we understand how important it is to have a will.
Wills and Probate
Finalising the affairs of someone who has died can take a long time. It can take up to one year and perhaps longer if matters are not straightforward. The process may involve dealing with banks, building societies, insurance companies and HM Revenue & Customs.
An Estate cannot be finalised until all claims to it have been received. Individuals have 6 months from the date when Probate was granted to make claims against an Estate. There are other factors which can affect the time taken such as any legal disputes or claims against the Estate, whether Inheritance Tax needs to be paid and ensuring that matters relating to Income Tax, Benefits Agencies and pensions have been resolved.
Arguments between family members, beneficiaries or Personal Representatives also cause delay. Such disagreements must be resolved before the affairs of the person who has died can be settled.
Process of making a Will
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Come prepared with details of Executors. These are people you’d like to manage and deal with your Will when you go. Usually a family member or someone you really trust.
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Your Will needs to be signed and witnessed (this must be people over 18, and who won’t benefit from your Will)
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It sounds obvious, but your Will needs to be your wishes
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If you are feeling under pressure from someone to make it, take a moment to consider if it’s what you want.
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If you’ve made any previous Wills, we’ll need to know so that the one you make takes precedent.
Probate Fees
Grant of Probate
Price for obtaining Grant of Probate/Letters of Administration, collecting and distributing the assets of the Estate: average cost (estimate for a standard case which is based on an hourly rate):
£3,000 plus VAT and disbursements *
* Disbursements (costs related to your matter payable to third parties):
Court Fee – £273 (For estates over £5000)
Bankruptcy-only Land Charges Department Searches £2 per beneficiary as applicable. In some cases notices may have to be placed in the London Gazette and a local newspaper which typically costs £250 plus VAT.
Application for Grant of Probate/Letters of Administration only – IHT400
Price for applying for Grant of Probate/Letters of Administration only when the Estate has to pay Inheritance Tax or the Estate is complicated: average price (estimate for a standard case):
£1,500 – £2,000 plus VAT and disbursements *
* Disbursements (costs related to your matter payable to third parties): Court Fee – £273 (For estates over £5000)
Fees and Charges
Our charges are based on an hourly rate. The above price is based on the hourly charge out rates and the time we expect a standard case to take:
£300
Partner
£230
Solicitor
£275
Associate
£200
Legal Executive
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1. What is a family law solicitor?A family law solicitor is a legal professional who specialises in matters related to family issues such as divorce, child custody, adoption, and domestic violence. They provide legal advice, representation, and support to individuals dealing with these matters.