Fixed-Fee Probate Solicitors
If you have suffered the loss of a relative or a loved one, JMW Solicitors can help to make the probate and estate administration process as stress-free as possible. Our team of fixed-fee probate solicitors is highly experienced in this area of the law and is dedicated to providing a professional and understanding service. We aim to simplify the estate administration process, to make it manageable and straightforward for you during this difficult time.
At JMW, we understand the complexities involved in probate, especially when dealing with high-value or international estates. Our fixed-fee probate service is designed to provide clear, upfront pricing, so you can have peace of mind knowing there will be no unexpected costs. We offer expert advice on all aspects of probate, from obtaining the grant of probate to dealing with any Inheritance Tax payable and maintaining compliance with the probate registry requirements.
Our solicitors are well-versed in the probate process and can assist with various aspects, including managing bank accounts, preparing estate accounts, and handling any outstanding debts. We also provide guidance on completing Inheritance Tax forms and paying the probate court fee where applicable. With our extensive experience in dealing with complex estates, we can offer tailored advice on tax and succession planning to suit your individual circumstances.
Whether you are dealing with a simple estate or a more complex situation, our probate solicitors are here to help. Get in touch with JMW’s experienced and knowledgeable solicitors today by calling 0345 872 6666 or complete an online enquiry form and we will be in touch at a time that is suitable for you.
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Our Prices
Find below a breakdown of the different prices that we charge for our estate administration services, and the factors that may affect them. Please note that there will be two elements to the prices as set out below:
- Fees charged by JMW
- Fees payable to third parties
Please ensure that you consider both parts of the price information.
Fees charged by JMW
| Fee type | Fee | VAT (charged at 20%) | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal fee * | £5,000 - £10,000 | £1,000 - £2,000 | £6,000 - £12,000 |
| Electronic ID check (per executor) | £20.00 | £4.00 | £24.00 |
| Bank telegraphic transfer fee | £15.00 | £3.00 | £18.00 |
| International bank telegraphic transfer fee | £35.00 | £7.00 | £42.00 |
| * basis of charging = hourly rate. |
The fee quoted is based on 15 – 30 hours to complete the work at an hourly rates ranging from £100 - £425 + VAT.
This fee example is based on an estate where the following apply:
- There is a valid will
- There is no more than one property
- There are no more than 10 bank or building society accounts
- There are no other intangible assets
- There are no more than 10 beneficiaries
- There are no disputes between beneficiaries on the division of assets
- There is no Inheritance Tax payable and the executors do not need to submit a full account to HMRC
- There are no claims made against the estate
- All assets and liabilities comprising the estate are based in the UK
The exact cost will depend on the individual circumstances of the matter. For example, if there is one beneficiary and no property, your costs will be at the lower end of the range. If there are multiple beneficiaries, a property and multiple bank accounts, costs will be at the higher end. Similarly, if Inheritance Tax is payable, this will increase the amount of work required and additional charges will be levied.
If dealing with the estate involves extra, unforeseen work, additional fees will be payable. In such cases, we will agree on a fixed fee or provide a fee estimate based on the hourly rates of the fee-earners handling the estate.
Fees Payable to Third Parties (‘Disbursements’)
| Disbursement | Fee | VAT (charged at 20%) | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Probate application fee | £300.00 | N/A | £300.00 |
| Additional sealed copies of Grant of Probate (usually obtain 5 copies) | £7.50 (£1.50 per copy) | N/A | £7.50 |
| Post in the London Gazette or in a local newspaper | £240.00 | £48.00 | £288.00 |
| HMLR Office Copy entry | £7.00 | N/A | £7.00 |
| Bankruptcy-only Land Charges Department searches (£2 per search) | £2.00 | N/A | £2.00 |
| SUBTOTAL | £604.50 |
What Work Is Included in Our Fixed-Fee Probate Service?
Our fixed-fee probate service covers a comprehensive range of tasks essential to the probate and estate administration process. Our fees include obtaining the grant of probate, collecting assets and distributing them to the beneficiaries.
The precise work and stages involved in a probate matter vary according to the circumstances. However, we have set out the key stages involved in a typical probate process:
- Taking your instructions on your specific needs and giving you initial advice on the probate process
- Identifying the legally appointed executors or administrators and beneficiaries of the estate to ensure proper administration
- Establishing the extent of the estate by identifying and valuing the various assets, including bank accounts, property, tangible and intangible assets, as well as any liabilities
- Identifying the type of probate application required based on the estate's specifics.
- Preparing the application for a grant of probate, which is then sworn by the executor and submitted to the appropriate Probate Registry together with the original Will
- Submitting the grant to the various organisations that hold the assets, such as banks and building societies, to start the process of transferring them into the beneficiaries’ names
- Organising the payment of any outstanding debts and liabilities, which must be settled before the estate can be distributed among the beneficiaries
- Seeking confirmation that all taxes, including Inheritance Tax and Income Tax, are paid up to date and that there are no outstanding HMRC claims against the estate.
- Preparing detailed estate accounts and distributing the estate in accordance with the terms of the Will, ensuring all legal and financial obligations are met.
By covering these essential steps, our fixed-fee probate service delivers a thorough and efficient administration of the estate, providing you with peace of mind during a challenging time.
Services Excluded
Our service (within the fee example given above) will not include any of the following:
Any contested probate matters or advice on the same. For this, you should visit our Will Disputes page
- Advice on tax or other accounting matters (with the exception of Inheritance Tax)
- Advice on assets held outside of the UK
- Conveyancing services to deal with the sale of any property in the estate
- Managing trusts created within the Will, or any trusts connected to the deceased, on an ongoing basis
- Advice around the suitability and creation of other deeds, such as deeds of disclaimer or deeds of variation
If you require any of these excluded services, our team can provide further advice and refer you to the appropriate probate solicitor.
What Are the Approximate/Average Timescales?
On average, estates that fall within this fixed-fee probate quote range are dealt with within six to 12 months. The probate process involves several key stages, each with its own timeline, which varies depending on the complexity of the estate and the efficiency of the parties involved. Here is a breakdown of the typical estimated timescales:
- Obtaining the Grant of Probate: During this period, we prepare and submit the application to the appropriate Probate Registry. The preparation for the application is expected to take between four to 12 weeks. Once the application has been submitted, it can take a further four to 12 weeks to receive the grant of probate. The exact duration can depend on factors such as the completeness of the submitted documents and the Probate Registry's current workload.
- Collecting assets: Once the grant of probate is obtained, we proceed to collect the estate's assets. This stage can take between four to six weeks for simple cash assets. It involves contacting various financial institutions, such as banks and building societies, to gather and consolidate all the deceased’s assets. The timeframe can be influenced by the responsiveness of these institutions and the complexity of the assets involved. If a property needs to be sold, this time frame will increase to allow for a buyer to be found and the conveyancing process to be completed.
- Distributing the assets: After all assets have been collected and any outstanding liabilities settled, we can then distribute the assets to the beneficiaries. This final stage typically takes two to 12 weeks provided all beneficiaries are responsive. It includes preparing estate accounts, ensuring all taxes are paid, and distributing the remaining assets in accordance with the terms of the Will.
It is important to note that these timescales are approximate and can be affected by various factors. A complex estate with a large number of beneficiaries or international assets may require more time to manage. Our experienced probate solicitors are committed to managing the process efficiently and keeping you informed at each stage, to help the administration of the estate proceed as smoothly and swiftly as possible.
What Are the Factors that Could Increase Costs?
In some circumstances, we may increase our fees to account for additional time, work or skill required to meet your instructions. Examples include:
- If there is no Will or the estate consists of any share holdings (stocks and bonds), there are likely to be additional costs that could range significantly depending on the estate and how it is to be dealt with
- If unknown assets are discovered which make the estate more complex or mean that Inheritance Tax becomes due
- If there are disputes between beneficiaries on the division of assets
- If we need to instruct Tracing Agents to locate beneficiaries
- If additional copies of documents are required
Why Choose JMW?
The probate team at JMW has extensive experience in delivering high-quality work in all matters relating to Wills and Estate Administration. We have particular expertise in high-value estates and Inheritance Tax matters.
Our team consists of almost 40 experienced advisors, all of whom can deliver informed and tailored guidance according to your specific needs. Our dynamic probate solicitors understand your requirements and the need for bespoke advice.
JMW has been recognised in Chambers & Partners and the Legal 500 for the high standard of our services. We have also won numerous industry awards, including Team of the Year at the Manchester Legal Awards.
We have assisted with a range of complex requirements for a variety of charities and high net-worth clients, including families, business owners, entrepreneurs, sports professionals, and entertainers. No matter what your requirements may be, our fixed-fee probate service can help you.
Get in Touch
To find out how much your case with us is going to cost, speak to the team at JMW today. We will discuss your requirements and provide you with fixed-fee probate quotes according to your needs. Call us on 0345 872 6666, or fill out an online enquiry form to request a call back.
