Our Charges
- Probate
Introduction

The charges we make will vary according to the nature of the work we undertake.

 

Thus, if we are dealing only with the work involved in obtaining a grant of probate then we will be able to provide you with a fixed price for how much that work will cost.   If, however, we are dealing with a full administration of an estate then we will charge on an hourly basis + an element to reflect the value of the estate.

 

The following charges are, therefore, dependent upon the work done.  Please check with us so that we can provide you with a more accurate assessment.

 

Simple Cases
 
Complex cases

 

Administering an estate (including obtaining the Grant, dealing with the assets, drafting the estate accounts and distributing the funds).

 

No inheritance tax - £2,000 - £4,000 + VAT charged on an hourly basis (although we will agree a fixed fee) at the rate of £225.00 + VAT per hour for a senior solicitor.

 

With inheritance tax - £4,000 + VAT is generally the minimum.  It is very difficult to give a precise upper limit as it depends entirely on the estate and whether there are assets abroad and questions of foreign domicile etc.  Again, charged on an hourly basis.

 

A value element will be added if:

  1. Garner Canning are the Executors, or

  2. The estate is complex (i.e. generally where there is inheritance tax involved)

 

The value element is charged at 1% of the gross value of the non-realty and 0.5% of the value of the realty.

 

 

Other Costs

Setting up a trust - £1,000 - £1,500 + VAT

Transferring property to trustees - £300 + VAT

 

Disbursements

  • Probate Court fee £155 plus 50p per additional copy Grant (current charges) – no VAT

  • Bankruptcy searches £2 per beneficiary

  • Statutory notices £150 - £200

  • Valuation fees depend entirely on the type of asset being valued (e.g., realty, shares, chattels)

 

Examples

 

Example 1

Deceased died leaving a Will giving everything to his two children.

  • House is worth £200,000.

  • Cash assets of £80,000.

 

Our charges to administer the estate would be in the region of £2,000 - £4,000 + VAT.  The fewer assets there are, the less the charges are likely to be as less time will be required.

 

Disbursements (currently) would be:

  • Probate Court fee of £155 + 50p per copy

  • Bankruptcy searches of £4

  • Statutory notices £150 - £200 (if required)

 

 

 

Example 2

Deceased died leaving a Will leaving everything to his two children.  The children want to vary the Will.  The property is being retained by the family.

  • House is worth £400,000.

  • Cash assets of £350,000.

  • Lifetime gifts of £200,000

 

Our charges to administer the estate would be in the region of 5,000 - £7,000 + VAT.  We might also charge the value element on the house and/or the cash assets depending upon the complexity of the estate. Plus:

  • Deed of variation £750 + VAT

  • Assent of registered property £300 + VAT

 

Disbursements (currently) would be:

  • Probate Court fee of £155 + 50p per copy

  • Bankruptcy searches of £4

  • Statutory notices £150 - £200 (if required)

  • Land registry fee (depending on the value of the property)