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:
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Garner Canning are the Executors, or
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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
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Probate Court fee £155 plus 50p per additional copy Grant (current charges) – no VAT
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Bankruptcy searches £2 per beneficiary
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Statutory notices £150 - £200
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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.
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House is worth £200,000.
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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:
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Probate Court fee of £155 + 50p per copy
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Bankruptcy searches of £4
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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.
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House is worth £400,000.
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Cash assets of £350,000.
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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:
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Deed of variation £750 + VAT
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Assent of registered property £300 + VAT
Disbursements (currently) would be:
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Probate Court fee of £155 + 50p per copy
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Bankruptcy searches of £4
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Statutory notices £150 - £200 (if required)
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Land registry fee (depending on the value of the property)