Home / Expertise / Services for individuals / Probate and estate administration price transparency

Probate and estate administration price transparency

Our Probate and Estate Administration team believes in clear, fair pricing. Below you’ll find fixed fee and time-based cost examples for different types of estates, what factors might increase the cost, and how we arrive at estimates so there are no surprises.

Need advice?

CLICK HERE TO GET IN TOUCH WITH US

Pricing transparency

Wright Hassall offer a range of fixed fee and time-based services depending on the activities required.

Fixed fee only services – where a full IHT return is not needed

Obtaining a Grant of Probate (IHT205 form) - £1,500 plus VAT
Obtaining a Grant of Probate claiming a double nil rate band (IHT205 and IHT217) - £2,000 plus VAT

Time based services

Fees are based on hourly rates (excluding VAT, which is charged at the prevailing rate) which range from £155 to £325 depending on the seniority and experience of the individual advising. We will always ensure that the right person at the right level manages your matter with the appropriate level of supervision.

NB: This fee scale is a guide only. We will send you a questionnaire to complete so we can establish how much work will be involved in administering the estate before giving you an accurate estimate. In most situations, we are able to offer you the choice of a time based estimate range or a fixed rate quote to meet your specific circumstances..

Obtaining a Grant of Probate where a full IHT return is due but no tax is payable (IHT400) - £2,000 to £3,000.
Obtaining a Grant of probate where a full IHT return is due and tax is payable (IHT400) - £2,400 to £4,000.
Full estate administration – based on simple estate example – in the region of £5,000 to £7,000.
Full estate administration – based on complex estate example – in the region of £7,000 to £15,000.

Simple estate example – (could include the following)

Valid Will with 1-2 executors acting	Up to 5 pecuniary legacies
Up to 5 residuary beneficiaries	No trusts/disputes or claims
Up to 8 bank/building society/liquid assets	Up to 1 property
Up to 3 shareholdings	No inheritance tax to pay
HMRC shorter return (IHT205) required

Complex estate example – (could include the following)

Valid will with up to 4 executors	Straightforward intestacy position
Over 5 pecuniary legacies	Over 5 residuary beneficiaries
Trust in the will or a connected lifetime trust	Minor beneficiaries
Multiple cash assets	1 or more property
Investment portfolio/ number of shareholdings
HMRC full return (form IHT400) required	Inheritance tax payable
Income tax returns to be completed
Complex estate accounts/devolution

It is often difficult to know whether any of these factors will be relevant at the outset of the matter and they may only become known once a quote has been provided and a degree of work has already been undertaken on your behalf.

As soon as we are aware of any factors that will impact the level of professional fees and/or disbursements (see below) payable, we will notify you and provide you with an indication of the likely impact.

Matters in all estate administrations which may give rise to additional costs

No Will (intestacy) or proving a missing or damaged will Registering the death or arranging the funeral.
Large number of individual shareholdings or managed portfolios.
Arranging property insurance and managing the utility accounts until a property is sold.
Complex inheritance tax situations, including claims for agricultural or business assets.
Missing beneficiaries.
Disputes between executors and/or beneficiaries.

Disbursements – third party costs which may be incurred during the administration. We will handle the payment of these disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process (all figures inclusive of VAT charged at 20% if applicable)

Probate Court fees (£300) and office copies (£1.50 per copy) Will and Financial asset searches (£136.80 and £186)

Bankruptcy searches (£2.40 for UK, £100 estimated for overseas) Statutory notices (£170 estimated)

Depending on the nature of the estate there may also be valuation fees, estate agents commission and conveyancing costs, and any taxes payable to HMRC in the estate. For more information on taxes, please see the Gov.UK website.