Bereavement and Probate

We know how difficult it can be following the death of a loved one, which is why our probate specialists are on hand to provide effective, friendly and sympathetic advice on all aspects of your loved one’s affairs following their death, whether or not they had made a Will.

We can assist you with all aspects of administering someone’s Estate from registering the death, assisting in funeral arrangements, interpreting the Will, valuing the assets, paying any Inheritance Tax due, obtaining Grant of Probate (or Letters of Administration where there is no Will), gathering the assets and distributing to the Beneficiaries in accordance with the Will or Intestacy Rules. We are also experienced in dealing with Estate Planning, Trusts and advising on potential claims against an Estate.

Our Probate matters are handled by our specialist Probate Solicitors: Dawn White, Gavin Newton and Charles Newton.

PROBATE PRICES

Want help? How much do probate services cost?

• Our aim is not to be beaten on service. We offer highly cost competitive legal services with fixed fees and no hidden extras. 
• We can offer a free consultation either by telephone or at our offices.
• We can offer home visits subject to location.
• We make it easy for you to contact us: we give you a designated lawyer who is available by phone, in person or by email.

Our Services:

Probate Grant Service - £650 + VAT + Disbursements

This is a basic package and only available if the estate is valued under £650,000.00. We make the application for the Grant of Probate based on the information that you supply - you then deal with the rest of the administration.

If you choose our Probate Grant Service, you will receive the following services:

• Receive and review death certificate, original Will (if there is one) and all paperwork relating to the assets and liabilities. You will provide all the values of the estate.
• Calculation of the gross and net values of the Estate
• Calculation of any Inheritance Tax (IHT) due
• Preparation of the IHT account to include a claim for a transferable Nil Rate Band *
• Apply to the Probate Registry for the Grant of Representation
• Dealing with any queries from the Probate Registry
• Receiving the Grant of Probate
• Approximately 1 month from initial meeting to obtaining Grant of Representation providing all information is readily available.

Estimated disbursements will include:

• Commissioners fee - £5.00 for each Executor swearing the Oath, plus £2 for each exhibit (such as the original Will and any codicil(s)).
• Probate application fee - £155, plus 50p for every additional sealed copy (see update below)

*You will have to provide all the information needed to support the transferable nil rate band claim.

Probate Evaluation Service - From £1,000 + VAT + Disbursements

If you choose our Probate Evaluation Service, you will receive the following services.

• Receive and review death certificate, original Will (if there is one) and all paperwork relating to the assets and liabilities.
• Our specialist Lawyers will obtain values of the assets and liabilities by writing to organisations concerned
• Registering the death with all known creditors
• Registering the death with all known pension providers
• Registering the death with HMRC for Income Tax purposes
• Calculation of the gross and net values of the Estate
• Calculation of the Inheritance Tax (IHT) due
• Preparation of the IHT account to include a claim for a transferable Nil Rate Band *
• Making payment of the IHT from the Estate assets
• Preparation of the Oath for Executors/Administrators
• Applying to the Probate Registry for the Grant of Probate/Letters of Administration
• Dealing with any queries from the Probate Registry
• Receiving the Grant of Probate/Letters of Administration
• Approximately 2-3 months from initial meeting to obtaining Grant of Representation depending on the number of assets and the complexity of the estate.

* You will have to provide all the information needed to support the transferable nil rate band claim.

If the Estate is taxable, this package does not cover dealing with any queries from HMRC.

Estimated disbursements will include:

• Commissioners fee - £5.00 for each Personal Representative swearing the Oath, plus £2 for each exhibit (such as the original Will and any codicil(s)).
• Probate application fee - £155, plus 50p for every additional sealed copy (See update below)
• Valuation fees (for property, land, chattels, shares etc) - to be ascertained.

Premium Probate Service

This is a full administration package designed for those who would rather instruct solicitors to deal with all the legal work.

Premium Probate Service – From £2,000 + VAT + Disbursements

If you choose our Premium Probate Service, you will receive the following services.

• Receive and review death certificate, original Will (if there is one) and all paperwork relating to the assets and liabilities.
• Our specialist Lawyers will obtain values of the assets and liabilities by writing to organisations concerned
• Registering the death with all known creditors
• Registering the death with all known pension providers
• Registering the death with HMRC for Income Tax purposes
• Calculation of the gross and net values of the Estate
• Calculation of any Inheritance Tax (IHT) due
• Preparation of the IHT account to include a claim for a transferable Nil Rate Band
• Making payment of the IHT from the Estate assets
• Preparation of the Oath for Personal Representatives/Administrators
• Applying to the Probate Registry for the Grant of Probate/Letters of Administration
• Dealing with any queries from the Probate Registry
• Receive the Grant of Probate/Letters of Administration
• Register the Grant with all known asset holders and collect in the assets of the Estate
• Place statutory advertisement (if required)
• Pay all known debts and liabilities of the Estate from Estate assets
• Undertake a bankruptcy search against all beneficiaries
• Pay any Legacies bequeathed under the Will
• Prepare Estate Accounts
• Obtain Personal Representative approval of the Estate Accounts
• Obtain Residuary Beneficiaries approval of the Estate Accounts
• Liaising with beneficiaries
• Distributing the Residuary Estate
• Advice on the meaning of the Will or Intestacy provisions
• Advice on statutory advertising to protect the Personal Representatives
• Approximately 2-5 months from initial meeting to obtaining Grant of Representation depending on the number of assets, liabilities and the complexity of the estate.

Estimated disbursements will include:

• Commissioners fee - £5.00 for each Personal Representative swearing the Oath, plus £2 for each exhibit (such as the original Will and any codicil(s)).
• Probate application fee - £155, plus 50p for every additional sealed copy (see update below)
• Valuation fees (for property, land, chattels, shares etc) - to be ascertained.
• Statutory advertisement - from £250
• Bankruptcy search - £2 per name

Please note as of 5th April 2019 the Probate Registry are adjusting their fees for issuing a Grant of Representation to the following:

Estates up to £50,000 will pay nothing

Estates worth from £50,000 up to £300,000 will pay £250

Estates worth from £300,000 up to £500,000 will pay £750

Estates worth from £500,000 up to £1 million will pay £2,500

Estates worth from £1 million up to £1.6 million will pay £4,000

Estates worth from £1.6 million up to £2 million will pay £5,000

If you would like further information on our Probate service or have recently lost a loved one and require assistance please contact us on (01773) 535535 (Eastwood Office) or (01159) 305070 (Ilkeston Office). Home visits are available – please call us for further information. 

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