Probate is a term commonly used for the legal and financial processes of dealing with the money, property and possessions of a person who has died.

The process of obtaining a grant of probate is relatively straightforward, however the responsibilities and rights that surround the obtaining of a grant of probate are extremely complicated.   Furthermore, failure to administer the estate according to the law following on from the grant of probate can render the person acting as administrator or executor personally liable.

Here at Chris Stevenson Solicitors our experienced team is on hand to take away some of the stresses and pressures of the Probate process by providing all the required support, in a sensitive and understanding manner.

If you have lost a loved one, and require help with the probate process, call us today on 01302 341243 to arrange an appointment.

Costs:

Every probate matter is different and the time spent working on the file will depend on a number of factors including the number of beneficiaries, the nature of assets and whether or not any inheritance tax has to be paid. As a result our firm does not charge a fixed price determined on the value of the estate or a percentage of the estate. Our fees for probate are charged on the basis of how much time is taken to deal with the matter and each fee earner has their own hourly rate.

Please find below a breakdown of our hourly rates:

Preparation and attendance – £160 – £210 per hour
Routine letters written – £16
Telephone calls – £16
Routine letters received – £10
Lengthy letters and telephone calls – hourly rates

VAT is charged in addition at 20% plus any disbursements incurred, which are costs related to the case that are payable to third parties. Usual disbursements are:

Probate application fee – £155
Sealed copies of the grant of probate – £0.50 each
Fee for swearing the oath – £5 – £7 per swear

Other disbursements which may be necessary:

Office copies from the Land Registry (where the £3.60 per title estate includes a property)
Advertising for creditors in the London Gazette – £100
Advertising in a local paper – £70 – £200

You should note that the sale or transfer of any property in the estate is not included in our probate fees and would be referred to our conveyancing team. Furthermore inheritance tax, if relevant, is a debt of the estate and is not a disbursement.

Please do not hesitate to contact a member of our probate team if you require any additional information regarding our charges. Upon receipt of further information regarding an estate we will be able to provide an accurate estimate of our fees.