If we are required to only obtain the Grant of Probate from information supplied to us by you and we are not dealing with any other aspect of the estate administration then the breakdown of costs is likely to be as follows:-

Milburns Solicitors legal fees – £950

VAT thereon – £190

The above estimate is on the basis that Probate can be obtained without an inheritance tax account being completed. If it is necessary to complete an inheritance tax return, Milburns legal fees will be in the region of £1,400 plus £280 vat to £4,000 plus £800 vat.

Disbursements:-

Probate Court fee – £300 (plus £1.50 per copy)

Bankruptcy search against the deceased – £3.60 inclusive of vat

Dealing with the administration of an estate

If we are required to deal with all aspects of the estate, including applying for Grant, collecting in and distributing the assets, preparing estate accounts and advising executors then Milburns’ charges are based on two factors. Firstly, an hourly charging rate depending on the legal adviser carrying out the transaction. Details of hourly charging rates are set out below (all rates are subject to VAT at 20%).

Secondly, a fee based on the value of the estate:-

• 0.5% of the value of property and 1% of the value of other assets.
• If we are appointed as executors this will be 1% of the value of the property and 2% of the value of other assets.
• A reducing scale of charges will apply where the value of the estate exceeds the following band limits £1,000,000, £4,000,000, £8,000,000 and £12,000,000

All of Milburns charges will be subject to vat of 20%

The number of hours (of the legal adviser’s time) it takes to administer an estate varies hugely depending on the size and the composition of the estate.  Everyone’s estate is different.  If the estate is small and simple Milburns legal fees could be in the region of £4,000 up to £6,000 plus VAT.  However if the estate is large and complex then legal fees could be in the region of £15,000 to £30,000 plus VAT.  Factors which make the estate complex and the administration more costly are typically:

• There are questions as to the validity of the Will.
• There are multiple properties.
• There are multiple financial institutions involved.
• There are multiple beneficiaries.
• There are disputes between the beneficiaries as to the division of the estate.
• Inheritance Tax is payable.
• There are claims against the estate.

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.

Likely disbursements in relation to the administration of an estate are as follows:-

• Probate application court fee £300
• Bankruptcy search against the deceased £3.60 inclusive of vat
• Bankruptcy only Land Charges Department searches £3.60 inclusive of vat per beneficiary
• Approximately £95 post in the London Gazette – protects against unexpected claims from unknown creditors
• Approximately £150 post in a local newspaper – protects against unexpected claims from unknown creditors

Potential additional costs –

If there is no Will or the estate consists of any shareholdings (stocks and bonds) there are likely to be additional costs which could range significantly depending on the estate and how it is to be dealt with.  We can give you a more accurate estimate once we have more information.

If any additional copies of the Grant are required they will cost £1.50 each (usually 1 copy is required for each asset)

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

How long will this take?

On average estates are dealt with within 8 – 12 months.  However if the estate is large and/or complex administration can take much longer.

As part of the fee we will:-

• Provide you with a dedicated and experienced Probate advisor to work on your matter.  Most of our legal advisors are Solicitors or Legal Executives many years qualified
• Identify the legally appointed Executors or Administrators and beneficiaries
• Accurately identify the type of Probate application you will require
• Obtain relevant documents required to make the application
• Complete the Probate application and relevant HMRC forms
• Make the application to the Probate Court on your behalf
• Obtain the Probate
• Collect and distribute all assets in the estate
• Prepare Estate Accounts

We do not pay referral fees.