Probate Fees

Every estate is unique. In order to calculate our legal fees, we require full details of the estate concerned so that we may ascertain the complexity and work required.

We record all of the time that we spend working on the matter and charge according to our hourly rates, subject to our minimum fees below.

Our hourly rates range from £230 plus VAT per hour to £400 plus VAT per hour depending on the experience of the lawyer undertaking the work. Trainee solicitor, paralegal and team assistant rates range from £90 – £175 plus VAT per hour.

Full Estate Administration

If we are dealing with the full administration of an estate, we anticipate that our fees are likely to be in the region of 1% – 3% plus VAT of the gross value of the estate. So, for an estate with a gross value of:

1) £300,000, the fees will likely be in the region of £3,000 to £9,000 plus VAT and disbursements.

2) £400,000, the fees will likely be in the region of £4,000 to £12,000 plus VAT and disbursements.

3) £500,000, the fees will likely be in the region of £5,000 to £15,000 plus VAT and disbursements.

4) £1,000,0000, the fees will likely be in the region of £10,000 to £30,000 plus VAT and disbursements.

A minimum fee of £4,000 plus VAT will apply.

Grant of Probate

If we limit our involvement to obtaining a Grant of Probate only, our fees will be charged on a time-spent basis dependent on the fee earner’s normal hourly charging rates, which are as follows:

Paralegal – £180

Solicitor – £230

Associate Solicitor – £280

Senior Associate Solicitor – £330

Partner – £380

Head of Department – £400

A minimum fee of £2,000 plus VAT will apply to excepted estates. For a more complex estate in which an IHT400 is required, a minimum fee of £2,500 plus VAT will apply.

When dealing with either a full estate administration or obtaining a Grant of Probate only, the fee payable directly to the Probate Registry is £273.

For further information, please contact our Wills, Probate and Lifetime Planning team here.