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)