Probate Service Charges
At Johal and Co, we are committed to providing transparent, fair, and competitive pricing for probate services. Our fees for probate work are offered on either a fixed-fee or hourly rate basis, depending on the specific requirements of your matter.
Cost Information
Fixed Fee for Probate Services
For the full administration of an estate, we typically charge a fixed fee in the range of £5,000 to £6,900 plus VAT. This fee includes:
- Liaising with institutions to obtain necessary information to apply for probate.
- Collection and distribution of the estate’s assets.
This fee estimate is based on the following assumptions:
- There is no more than one property.
- There are 1 to 3 beneficiaries.
- There is a valid Will.
- There are no more than six bank or building society accounts.
- There are no other intangible assets.
- There is no Inheritance Tax payable, and the Executors do not need to submit a full account to HMRC.
- There are no disputes between beneficiaries or claims made against the estate.
If your estate does not meet these criteria or involves additional complexities (such as multiple properties, additional beneficiaries, or tax liabilities), we will provide a tailored fee estimate.
Hourly Rates
Alternatively, we can charge on an hourly basis. Our hourly rates are as follows:
- Solicitors: £275 per hour plus VAT.
- Trainee solicitors and paralegals: £150 per hour plus VAT.
The exact number of hours required will depend on the specific circumstances of your matter.
Grant of Probate Only
In cases where we are instructed to apply for a grant of probate only (without administering the estate), we charge between £825 and £1,650 plus VAT, depending on the complexity and time involved. This is based on the assumption that the Executor can provide full details of the assets and liabilities of the estate, and the estate is not taxable.
VAT Information
All fees stated are exclusive of VAT, which is charged at the prevailing rate (currently 20%).
Disbursements
In addition to our fees, there are third-party costs (disbursements) that may apply, such as:
- Probate application fee: £273.
- Swearing of the oath (per executor): £7–9.
- Bankruptcy searches: £3.10 per beneficiary.
- London Gazette notice: £350 (to protect against claims from unknown creditors).
- Local newspaper notice: £200 (to protect against claims from unknown creditors).
- Anti-money laundering checks: £14.40 inclusive of VAT per person.
Other potential costs may include valuation fees, post-redirection fees, insurance premiums for unoccupied properties, and Inheritance Tax (if applicable).
What We Will Do for You
As part of our probate services, we will:
- Provide a dedicated, experienced probate solicitor.
- Identify the legally appointed executors or administrators and beneficiaries.
- Advise on the type of probate application required.
- Obtain the necessary documents to apply for probate.
- Complete the probate application and HMRC forms.
- Draft the legal oath for swearing.
- Apply to the Probate Court on your behalf.
- Collect and distribute assets of the estate.
Key Stages and Timescales
On average, the administration of an estate takes between 5 to 8 months. The key stages and estimated timescales are:
- Gathering information to apply for probate: 6 to 8 weeks.
- Obtaining the grant of probate: 2 to 3 weeks.
- Collecting assets after the grant of probate: 4 to 8 weeks.
- Distributing assets to beneficiaries: 2 to 4 weeks after collection.
These timescales may be longer if the estate involves the sale of property or other complexities.
Complex Estates
If your estate is more complex (for example, involving multiple properties, shareholdings, or Inheritance Tax liability), we will provide a tailored quote based on the specific work required. We will discuss this with you without obligation.