Probate (Uncontested) Prices

We understand that dealing with the estate of a loved one can be challenging. Our experienced team is here to guide you through the probate process with clarity and compassion.

Our Services

We offer assistance in obtaining a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration for uncontested estates.

Services Included:

• Free initial 30 minute consultation to understand your needs

• Preparation and submission of the probate application

• Liaising with the Probate Registry

• Providing the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration to you

Services Not Included (but may be provided at additional cost):

• Valuation of assets

• Settling debts and liabilities

• Distribution of assets to beneficiaries

• Inheritance Tax calculations and submissions

Pricing

Grant-Only Services

For the preparation of grant of probate or grant of letters of administration alone, we offer a free half hour initial consultation to collate further information from you and provide you with a cost estimate. Our fees quoted are subject to additional costs and disbursements (outlined below).

Our costs would typically be in the region of:

• For estates subject to an Inheritance Tax liability: £2,100 – £2,700 + (VAT at 20%, a total of £2,520-£3,240)
• For estates with no Inheritance Tax liability: £1,000 – £1,500 + (VAT at 20%, a total of £1,200-£1,800)

Full Estate Administration

The cost of probate itself is difficult to estimate, given the large number of variables that may be encountered. For example, probate for business or agricultural properties will likely be more complex (and thus incur higher probate costs) than for a smaller property. We will, of course, endeavour to provide the most accurate quotation from the beginning based on the information we have and our hourly rates (outlined below). Should any costs need amending due to the process becoming more complicated and more time being required, this can be discussed and a new estimate provided.

Hourly Rates

Our hourly rates vary based on the experience of our fee earners and typically range from £300 – £355 + VAT (at 20%, a total of £360-£426). In all cases, we aim to match experience to the complexity of the task.

Additional Costs and Disbursements

Some fees associated with probate are owed to third parties and therefore not included in our charges above. Such disbursements may include (but are not limited to):

• Probate Registry fee – £273 plus £1.50 + VAT for each additional copy of Grants of Representation
• Land Registry Bankruptcy check fee – £2.00 per beneficiary
• Land Registry Title Information Document check – £3.00 per search

*VAT is charged at 20%

Please note that disbursement fees are subject to change and will be confirmed at the time of instruction.

Key Stages and Timescales

Probate services: 

For our grant-only services, there is no set timescale, however completion can be expected to be between 3 and 16 weeks. 

The estimates of the probate process are provided below:

1. Initial free consultation (30 minutes): Gathering information about the estate and advising on likely timescales.

2. Preparation of Application (2–3 weeks): Compiling necessary documents and completing application forms.*

3. Submission to Probate Registry (1 week): Sending the application for processing.*

4. Grant Issuance (4–8 weeks): Waiting for the Probate Registry to issue the Grant.

5. Delivery of Grant (1 week): Providing you with the official Grant document.

*Please note that points 2 and 3 will depend on the capacity of our Solicitors.

Estate Administration: 

The time taken to administer an estate can vary considerably depending on its size, as a rough guide, the process can be concluded between 9 and 24 months from its commencement.

Please note that timescales are approximate and can vary based on the Probate Registry’s workload and the complexity of the estate. Please see below for further information on factors that may affect timescales. 

Factors Which May Affect Our Fees and Timescales:

Each probate matter is unique. While we aim to provide clear and transparent pricing and timescales, certain factors may increase the complexity of the estate and therefore impact this. 

These include:

• No valid Will (intestacy):
  When there is no valid Will, additional time may be needed to identify heirs and apply the rules of intestacy.

• Disputes over the validity of the Will:
  Contested Wills require a detailed legal response and may involve court proceedings, increasing both time and cost.

• Trusts created by the Will:
  The presence of one or more trusts often involves additional administrative and legal work, particularly around ongoing trustee obligations.

• Inheritance Tax (IHT) issues:
  Complexities around IHT calculations, reliefs and exemptions (e.g. business or agricultural property relief) can significantly affect the work involved. You can explore HMRC’s IHT calculators and guidance for more information.

• Deeds of Variation:
  If a beneficiary wishes to vary their entitlement, drafting and advising on a Deed of Variation involves additional steps.

• Appointment of our firm as executor:
  Where we are named as sole or joint executor in a Will, we take on additional responsibility, which may involve more extensive work and duties. In such cases, we charge in line with Law Society guidelines.

• Number, location and status of beneficiaries:
  A larger number of beneficiaries, especially those based overseas, children, or those lacking capacity, may complicate communication and legal arrangements.

• Foreign assets:
  Estates with assets abroad, such as overseas property, bank accounts, or shares, typically require additional time and liaison with foreign professionals.

• Multiple properties in the estate:
  Where the estate holds more than one property, this can lengthen the administration process and involve further legal steps.

• Numerous financial accounts and shareholdings:
  A large number of stocks, bonds or bank accounts increase the time required to collect, verify, and distribute assets.

• Disputes between beneficiaries:
  Any disagreements among beneficiaries will involve additional correspondence, negotiations, or mediation, potentially extending the timeframe and cost.

• Claims against the estate:
  If a claim is brought (or anticipated) under the Inheritance Act or otherwise, the matter will become more complex and require dedicated legal resources.

• Executors residing abroad:
  Non-UK resident executors can add delays due to the requirement for document legalisation or the practicalities of communication across time zones.

• Sale or transfer of estate property:
  Please note that property transactions are not included in our probate fee estimates. We can provide a quote for separate conveyancing work if required. Property sales can also impact the overall timeline of estate administration.

Complaints Procedure

We are committed to providing excellent service. If you have any concerns, please refer to our Complaints Procedure for information on how to raise a complaint with us, the Legal Ombudsman, or the SRA.

Disclaimer notice

These fees are guidelines only and reflect what we commonly charge. The Jonathan Lea Network reserves the right to change any fee. The fee is subject to change depending on the complexity of the matter. We can confirm in writing a definitive fee quote following a short complimentary introductory call.