Wills & Probate Pricing

These prices are to be used as guide lines if we were to take on the work. Unfortunately we are unable to take instructions in this area of law at the moment.

We understand the importance of planning for the future and managing estates efficiently, and we are committed to offering transparent, competitive pricing with no hidden fees.

Our Wills & Probate Services

We offer a comprehensive range of services in Wills and Probate, including:

• Drafting and updating wills
• Estate planning
• Setting up trusts
• Probate and estate administration
• Lasting powers of attorney
• Contested probate

Pricing Transparency

In accordance with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) transparency rules, we provide clear and straightforward pricing for all our Wills and Probate services. Below is a breakdown of our fees and the potential costs you might incur during the process.

Wills

Single Will:

• Simple Will: £250 + (VAT at 20%) £50 = £300
• Complex Will: £450 + (VAT at 20%) £90 = £540

Mirror Wills (for couples):

• Simple Mirror Wills: £400 + (VAT at 20%) £80 = £480
• Complex Mirror Wills: £700 + (VAT at 20%) £140 = £840

Probate (uncontested)

Our probate services are charged based on the value and complexity of the estate. We offer both fixed fees for straightforward cases and hourly rates for more complex matters.

Fixed Fee Structure:

• Estates up to £325,000: £2,000 + (VAT at 20%) £400 = £2,400
• Estates £325,001 - £650,000: £3,500 + (VAT at 20%) £700 = £4,200
• Estates £650,001 - £1,000,000: £5,000 + (VAT at 20%) £1,000 = £6,000
• Estates over £1,000,000: Please contact us for a bespoke quote.

Hourly Rate Structure:

• Solicitor: £250 + (VAT at 20%) £50 = £300 per hour
• Senior Solicitor/Partner: £350 + (VAT at 20%) £70 = £420 per hour
• Paralegal: £150 + (VAT at 20%) £30 = £180 per hour

Additional Fees

Certain services may require additional work that incurs further costs. These are typically foreseeable and will be discussed with you upfront. Additional fees may include:

• Trusts and Estate Planning Advice: £200 + (VAT at 20%) £40 = £240 per hour
• Lasting Power of Attorney: £400 + (VAT at 20%) £80 = £480 per document

Disbursements

Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as:

• Probate Application Fee: £273
• Office Copies of the Grant of Probate: £1.50 per copy
• Swearing of the Oath (per executor): £5
• Bankruptcy-only Land Charges Department searches: £2 per beneficiary
• Post in The London Gazette and a Local Newspaper: £150 - £250 (to protect against unexpected claims from unknown creditors)

Services Included

Our Wills and Probate fees include the following services:

• Initial consultation and advice
• Drafting and reviewing wills
• Preparing probate applications
• Estate administration and asset distribution
• Setting up and managing trusts
• Communication and liaison with beneficiaries

Example of a Typical Probate Case

For an estate valued at £400,000, you might expect the following costs:

• Fixed Legal Fee: £3,500 + (VAT at 20%) £700 = £4,200
• Probate Application Fee: £273
• Office Copies of the Grant: £15 (for 10 copies)
• Swearing of the Oath: £10 (for two executors)
• Bankruptcy Searches: £10 (for five beneficiaries)
• Advertising in The Gazette and Local Newspaper: £200

Total Estimated Cost: £4,708

Key Stages and Timescales

The Wills and Probate process involves several key stages, each with its own timescale. Below is a general outline of the typical stages and expected durations:

Initial Consultation (1 week)

• Discussing your needs and providing initial advice.

Drafting and Reviewing Wills (2-3 weeks)

• Drafting the will based on your instructions.
• Reviewing and finalising the document.

Probate Application (3-4 weeks)

• Gathering necessary documents and information.
• Preparing and submitting the probate application.

Estate Administration (6-12 months)

• Collecting and valuing assets.
• Paying debts and taxes.
• Distributing the estate to beneficiaries.

Experience & Qualifications

Our Wills and Probate team is comprised of highly experienced and qualified solicitors who are experts in estate law. Here are some highlights of our team's experience and qualifications:

• Years of Experience: Rosalie Houghton, our lead solicitor who has been practising since 2002 oversees our probate section.
• Training: Our solicitors undergo continuous professional development to stay updated with the latest legal developments and best practices.
• Client Satisfaction: We have a proven track record of client satisfaction, with clients who trust us with their estate planning and administration.

How to Get a Quote

For an accurate and tailored quote, please contact our team and we will gather some initial details about your requirements to provide a precise estimate of the costs involved.

No Hidden Fees Guarantee

We pride ourselves on our transparency. The price we quote is the price you pay, barring any significant changes to your instructions or unforeseen complications. Should any such situations arise, we will inform you immediately and discuss any potential additional costs.

Why Choose Us?

• Experienced Team: Our solicitors have extensive experience in all aspects of Wills and Probate.
• Personalised Service: We provide a dedicated solicitor to handle your case from start to finish.
• Communication: We keep you informed at every stage of the process, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience.

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