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Probate and Estate Administration
Dealing with the estate of a deceased individual can of course be a very upsetting and stressful time. Our experienced team of probate lawyers offer invaluable advice and support during these difficult times, and aim to do so in the most efficient and cost – effective way possible.
We offer a flexible approach to our services, and can provide you with as much or as little support as you require. We can deal with the entire process, or we can deal with certain aspects only.
What can we do for you?
- Advising on the terms of the Will
- Where there is no Will, advising on the application of the intestacy rules in the relevant circumstances
- Putting measures in place to protect property interests (by arranging insurance, for example)
- Obtaining valuations of assets of the estate
- Calculating inheritance tax
- Providing advice on inheritance tax
- Obtaining the grant of representation
- Collecting in the assets of the estate, or transferring them to beneficiaries or trustees (as appropriate)
- Completing tax returns
- Taking steps to satisfy all tax and other financial liabilities
- Preparing the estate accounts
What will it cost?
What are the costs involved in instructing us to act in the administration of an estate where a Grant of Representation (Grant of Probate/Grant of Letters of Administration) is required?
Where we have been instructed in the administration of an estate of someone who has died and a Grant of Representation is required, our services involve the following:
- collate information and advise on inheritance tax implications (if any)
- prepare the necessary tax return (this is required even if there is no tax to pay)
- advise or arrange the payment of inheritance tax (if any)
- prepare the documents necessary for an application to the Probate Registry and submit the application
- encashing and/or transferring the assets
- preparing and submitting any necessary tax return for the administration period
- preparing the final estate accounts
- arranging distribution
Our minimum costs for acting in the administration of an estate are £1,500 plus VAT.
Our average costs for acting in the administration of an estate are £3,000 plus VAT.
Our average costs, which depend on the value of the estate, are typically as follows:
Value of the estate | Our Fees |
£0 – £150,000 | £1,500 plus VAT |
£150,001 – £400,000 | £1,500 plus VAT – £3,500 plus VAT |
£400,001 – £750,000 | £3,500 plus VAT – £6,500 plus VAT |
£750,001 – £1,500,000 | £6,500 plus VAT – £11,000 plus VAT |
Whilst the above are averages we will always aim to give you a fixed quotation once we have full details of the estate assets and liabilities.
If we are instructed to obtain a Grant of Representation only, without a full tax return or collating estate information or acting in the distribution of the estate, our fee will be £750 plus VAT.
What is included?
The fees quoted are based on estates where there are:
- no claims made against the estate;
- no disputes between the beneficiaries on division of assets.
The fees will increase within the above ranges (or may exceed the range) where:
- a Deed of Variation is required;
- there are Trusts;
- we are appointed as executors of the estate.
- there is a requirement to trace missing or unknown beneficiaries.
Any disbursements will not be included in the above prices. Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties which may be incurred in the administrative process. Possible disbursements include:
- Probate fee – £273.00
- Oath swearing fee – £7.00 (per executor)
- Bankruptcy search fee – £2.40 per name
- Statutory Advertisements – £216.00
- Land Registry registration fees – as set out on the Gov.uk Website (Scale 2)
How long will it take?
The timescales involved may vary from estate to estate. The value of the estate, number and type of assets and the number and extent of estate liabilities will increase the timescale.
On average, the estates which fall into the first range are dealt with within 10 weeks.
Those estates which fall within the other three ranges take longer, and the average timescale is 4-5 months.
Department: Private Client
Contact us
If you would like a no obligation discussion, please feel free to contact us either by phone on 02920 345511 or emailing us below.
Guides & Further Information
Key Contacts
Chris Beames
Consultant
Georgia Evans
Associate
What our clients say
Able to explain things
The exceptional Chris Beames has huge experience, is empathetic and able to explain things in a way that is clear and intelligible.
A B –
Very approachable
Christina is very approachable and responds very quickly to my queries. In the end, I got what I wanted
Gek L –
Couldn’t have done it without you
We are now happily settling into our new home and obviously couldn’t have done it without you, so thanks so much for all your work and help!
Keiran M –
Brilliant experience
Brilliant experience, Georgia and Sharon have been so helpful throughout, responsive to questions and kept me updated. The purchase wasn’t as straightforward as we thought but I was provided with all the advice I needed. Thank you very much!
Sophia L –
They are truly professional
Chris and Sharon have the patience to explain and communicate clearly with any questions. They will pick my calls or return my calls at any point in time and answer my questions. They are truly professionals and I will always use Berry smith LLP.
Alexander D R –
Whole process seemed seamless
Christina was a pleasure to work with – very efficient and the whole process seemed seamless and more importantly painless. I have no hesitation in recommending Christina and Berry Smith for conveyancing work.
Ravi N –
Outstanding from start to finish
Gemma was outstanding from start to finish. No question was too silly and every response was prompt. The estate agent we used even commented to us their happiness with how quickly they got responses from Gemma during this process. She did an excellent job of making it as painless as possible
Dai L –
Would definitely recommend
Christina was brilliant, very friendly and professional and moved very quickly for us. Would definitely recommend to friends and family. Thank you Christina for all of your help.
Bianca W –
Thoughtful balanced and clear
Georgia is extremely good at keeping me informed and her explanations are thoughtful balanced and clear.
Kate M-B –
Experts in the field.
They are very responsive, experts in the field and very good to deal with. They are commercial minded as well and make the transaction very smooth.
S D – Business Client
Professional, friendly legal team.
Professional, friendly legal team. Good responsiveness and sound advice throughout the process
S B – Client
Really great people.
Excellent professional advice, really great people.
M J – Business Client
All round an excellent experience.
Excellent advice – flexible and responsive with timings and availability to reach a tight deadline – reassuring in tone and delivery. All round an excellent experience.
N J – Business Client
They never fail.
Our main reasons are the easy relationship with partners and the never-failing promptness of their response to our queries. Personal contact at all times. The considerable reliance we came to place on their general legal advice. The firm’s approach and method of working was at all times conscientious and professional
J J – Client
Never had a bad experience with them.
Always use Berry Smith for all Legal work, have done for over 15 years & will continue to do so. Never had a bad experience with them.
S P – Business Client
Very easy to understand.
I found the lawyer dealing with my case was able to assess the content of the dispute quickly and then gave easy to understand options together with risks associated with each option.
S P – Business Client
Much better than any other solicitors
Excellent service by a friendly and proactive team. From the start the guidelines clarity of the process and the team communicated well regarding updates. A much better than any other solicitors I have dealt with and a thoroughly professional team to deal with.
M J – Client
Totally professional
Whilst the contact was totally professional, I enjoyed the friendly, “down-to-earth” approach, we could talk on a human-to-human level without the technical speak that you sometimes meet with legal representatives. I also considered that there was a business like, practical attitude
S N – Business Client
Very easy to work with.
Impressed with speed of responses and overall experience. Although a relative straightforward matter, processes completed quickly and efficiently. Easy to work with.
C M – Client
Professional, great communication and very supportive
Really professional, great communication and very supportive. Email and telephone calls were always replied/returned promptly. Very knowledgeable and guidance was always readily available. I have already recommended Berry Smith to a number of friends.
S Z – Client
Friendly, polite and extremely prompt
Everyone I’ve dealt with during the process has been friendly, polite and extremely prompt, and managed to complete the conveyancing on a purchase and sale just before the end of the stamp duty holiday- couldn’t be happier!
E H – Client
Clear, concise, professional
The lady that dealt with my case, was clear, concise, professional and kept me informed at every stage. She was excellent.
A C – Client
Customer care and attention was very thorough
Customer care and attention was very thorough; there was a strong sense that the firm was determined to achieve the best outcome for its clients.
P M B – Client
All meetings were friendly and professional.
I felt communicated with and always in the loop. Any questions I had were answered promptly. All meetings were friendly and professional.
R P – Business Client
Very responsive, knowledgeable and facilitative
It was such a relief to have representation through what is otherwise a very isolating process of undergoing a MBO. Communication was great, very responsive, knowledgeable and facilitative.
C P – Business Client
Advice given was clear and concise
The advice given was clear and concise, the response to the initial contact was prompt and this has been reflected in all the work carried out. I am transferring some property between two SIPP’s and l was very pleased to find the new SIPP had appointed Berry Smith to act on my behalf.
E A – Client
High levels of experience
High levels of experience and technical ability were employed to deliver a comprehensive solution.
P F – Business Client
First class service
A first-class service. Good advice, prompt responses to all enquiries and very good value.
S W – Client
Thanks for all your support.
Thank you so much for all the help, understanding and support to reach this point, it’s been very much appreciated
A M – Business Client
Felt at ease during the process.
Very clear advice, felt at ease during process. I would be happy to use again when I require legal advice.
N R – Client
Professional & Responsive
Professional service, dealing with a single point of contact who is helpful and responsive. Also, having the weight of the Berry smith brand behind us, adds credibility to our business.
A M – AM – Business Client
Very Approachable
We felt that you had an immediate understanding of our requirements. Your response was illustrated in a way whereby we were not clouded by “Legal” jargon. Your team are very approachable.
L C – Client
I couldn’t fault the care and attention.
I couldn’t fault the care and attention given by Berry Smith Lawyers. Their attention to detail and professionalism resulted in a successful outcome to my claim, despite a few setbacks along the way.” I hope I won’t need their help again but wouldn’t hesitate to contact them should the need arise.”
A B – Client
Service provided was excellent.
First solicitor I have ever had any confidence in! I loved how easy my claim was and the service provided was excellent!
T M – Client