Below is a concise overview of our probate services, typical fees, and likely timeframes. Exact costs depend on the complexity of the estate, the number of assets and beneficiaries, and any tax or property considerations. We’ll provide a personalised estimate at the outset and keep you updated throughout.

Grant-Only Service

• Includes taking instructions, contacting financial institutions (where needed), preparing IHT forms (typically IHT205), drafting and submitting the application, and obtaining sealed copies.
• Fees (typical): from £750 + VAT and disbursements.
• When more complex: if IHT400 is required, there are foreign assets, will/beneficiary tracing, or residence/nil-rate-band claims, fees typically start from £1,250 + VAT and disbursements.

Full Estate Administration

We handle the administration from start to finish: gathering assets, paying liabilities, preparing estate accounts, and distributing to beneficiaries.

Hourly Rates

Simple Estates (indicative)

• Typical time: 15–30 hours of work.
• Typical scope: valuations, funeral payment, utilities liaison, IHT205, grant application, collecting assets, settling debts, income tax reclaim, preparing estate accounts, distribution to beneficiaries.
• Indicative fees: usually £3,000–£6,000 + VAT and disbursements (lower end for few assets/beneficiaries and no property; higher end where there are multiple assets, a property sale, or numerous beneficiaries).
• Timeline guide: grant 3–6 months; collect assets 1–2 months; distribution 2–4 months (overall ~6–12 months).

Larger or More Complex Estates

• Often involves foreign domicile/assets, multiple properties, business/agricultural assets, will search, beneficiary identification, IHT400 and schedules, residence nil-rate-band claims, nil-rate-band transfers, income/capital gains tax work, and trusts.
• Note: property sale conveyancing is charged separately by our conveyancing team.
• If a Howard & Co. Partner is appointed as Executor:
  • Additional charge of 1% of the gross estate value (excluding the residence) + VAT.
  • Residence element: +0.5% (sole name) or +0.25% (joint names) + VAT.

  This reflects the risks and responsibilities of the appointment and follows usual probate practice.

Typical Disbursements

• Probate application fee: £273
• Sealed copies of the grant: £1.50 each
• Section 27 creditor notices (to protect Executors from unknown creditors): £250–£500 + VAT
• Bankruptcy searches: £3.20 per person
• Land Registry documents: £4.20 per document
• Electronic ID/AML checks: £5.00 per person

Disbursements are third-party costs paid on your behalf. This list is indicative, not exhaustive. We may ask for payment on account.

Next Steps

For a tailored estimate based on your circumstances, please contact our team. We’ll explain your options clearly and keep you informed at every stage.

Legal Aid

In certain areas of law, you may be entitled to legal aid funding. This often applies to criminal matters, cases involving domestic violence, and care proceedings. At our first meeting, we will let you know whether your case is eligible for legal aid and guide you through the application process if it is.

No Win, No Fee

If you have been involved in an accident, your claim may be handled on a “no win, no fee” basis. We will always confirm at the outset if your case qualifies for this arrangement, so you know exactly where you stand.

Fixed Fees

For many other services, we can provide clear fixed-fee pricing. This means you’ll know the cost from the start, with no hidden surprises. Fixed fees are commonly available for:

• Buying or selling your home
• Making or updating a Will
• Divorce, separation, or dissolution of a civil partnership
• Employment issues, including Settlement Agreements

Our fees are based on the work required for each individual matter, and we can provide tailored quotes on request.

Payment Options

We want to make managing legal costs as straightforward as possible. You can choose to pay as your case progresses or set up a payment plan with us.

We accept debit card payments made in person or by phone. Please note, we no longer accept payment by credit card.