At MWG, we understand the complexity and emotional stress attached to probate work. We are able to provide you with a transparent fee structure for Uncontested Probate. If your matter is non-standard, e.g. complex property, family relationships or risks, it may not be possible to honour the fees on our website. We will assess and review your case during your initial consultation and advise you of any complexities.
Executors/administrators can then deal with the administration of the estate after we have obtained the grant for them.
As part of our fixed fee, we will:
*Third-party/ Conditional fees
Other third party costs will be advised as required, e.g. accountant’s fee for a potential income tax return, statutory advertisement fee to advertise for unknown creditors, asset tracing fee.
There may be additional third party costs for lost S27 Advertisements in the London Gazette and a local newspaper in from £150 – £300, Depending on the local newspaper advertising costs.
Stockbroker fees – £25 – £150, depending on the number of shareholdings to be dealt with share certificates and share registrar and/or sale agent fees on transfer or sale of the shares.
The probate procedure involves the personal representatives valuing the estate’s assets, taking from this any debt amounts and then notifying the probate registry what the value of the remaining estate is. The length of time involved largely depends on what is in the estate. If there is a house, it will depend on the housing market and how quickly a sale can be agreed upon. If there are only bank accounts then you may be able to get the grant within about two months. It is also important to note that if there are shares, it could take longer. The more wide-ranging the types of assets there are in an estate, the longer it could take. If inheritance tax has to be paid, the values of the assets in an estate may have to be agreed with the Inland Revenue, and this could take time.
For average estate values which are under £325,000 and with no inheritance tax payable, our average prices are 2% of the gross value of the estate plus third party costs and VAT.
This means, for example, that if the estate is worth £200,000 before deduction of debts and other expenses then our fees would be £4,000 plus third party costs and VAT (20%).
We charge a minimum fee of £2,000 plus third party costs (disbursements)* and VAT (20%).
If inheritance tax is payable or other tax matters are arising we will agree on a fee with you based on the hourly rates of the person dealing with the matter. Complex estates involving tax matters tend to be handled by more senior solicitors and staff, and our average hourly rate for them is £250.
This quote is for estates where:
All Probate work is supervised by Partner Salman Iqbal who is a qualified solicitor. The individual profile can be found here.