Greenwood & Co

Uncontested Probate Fees

Our costs for obtaining a Grant of Representation and administering a simple estate range from £2,500 to £5,500 plus VAT and disbursements.

An example of a simple estate consists of the following:

  • The deceased was domiciled in the UK and left a valid will with up to four beneficiaries
  • Owned one property and up to 3 UK bank accounts but had no other intangible assets
  • The deceased did not own any foreign assets or have an interest in a trust
  • The deceased did not make any lifetime gifts which require investigation by HMRC
  • Inheritance tax is not payable and the executors do not need to submit a full account (IHT400) to HM Revenue & Customs
  • No claims are made against the estate
  • We are not involved in registering the death, arranging the deceased's funeral or clearing any property.

The exact cost will depend on the individual circumstances of the estate. A cost estimate will be set out in the terms and conditions provided to you at the outset and we are aware of the assets of the estate.

If the administration of the estate proves to be more complex or time consuming than first envisaged due to factors which we were unaware, our instructions change, or if additional work and advice are required, a revised costs estimate will be provided. In such circumstances you will be notified of this accordingly before any additional costs are incurred.

Our fees are charged on the time spent on the matter and calculated at the rate of the relevant fee earner conducting the matter and as detailed in the terms and conditions.

Complex estates

Any estate which does not fall within the definition of the simple estate as set out above, is regarded as a complex estate. Estates that are more complicated, will be charged on a time basis and the hourly rates of the fee earners involved with the matter will be set out in the terms and conditions. The exact cost will depend on a number of factors. A costs estimate at the outset of the administration will be provided, taking into account the size and nature of the estate.

Disbursements and other costs

The disbursements that we anticipate being incurred are set out below. The amount of disbursements may change over time and are beyond our control. We will notify you of the current level of disbursements when instructions are received. This list is not exhaustive and further disbursements may arise depending on the requirements of the particular estate.

  • Probate Registry fee - £155
  • Sealed Office Copies of the Grant of Probate - £1.50 per copy
  • Land Registry fee for Official Copy Entries - £3 per document
  • S27 Trustee Act - Statutory Notices - £250 - £350
  • Electronic money transfer fee (per transfer) £35 plus VAT
  • Bankruptcy search - £2 per beneficiary

The stages involved in the administration of an estate and an approximate time scale will be set out in the terms and conditions. However, the administration of a simple estate consists of the following:

  • Taking instructions and initial advice given
  • Obtaining Probate valuations
  • Preparing IHT205 Inheritance Tax Return
  • Applying for the Grant of Representation
  • Realising the assets of the estate
  • Paying any debts and expenses
  • Preparing a cash statement and distributing the estate.

The average administration of a simple estate can take between 6 and 12 months. Estates that are considered to be more complex are likely to take considerably longer but you will be advised of this in the terms and conditions.

Please note that the above fees do not include the costs of selling any property. A costs estimate for this can be provided separately if required.

The fee earners who may be involved in your matter and their hourly rates will be:

  • Jonathan Greenwood - £480
  • Ronald Friend - £480
  • Chennel Scott - £300
  • Olegas Petrikas - £300