Probate Pricing Information

Navigating the legal complexities of probate can be overwhelming, especially during an already challenging time. At Dean Wilson, our dedicated team specialises in providing compassionate and expert guidance to help you manage the estate administration process with confidence and ease.  

We can offer a range of services and pricing options when dealing with the administration of an Estate. As every matter is different, the below are estimates only, and other pricing options are available. Please contact us for a tailored quote. VAT is currently charged at 20% and will be added to our fees and some expenses or disbursements at the rate in force when the work is done. 

1. For non-taxable estates where you provide all information regarding assets and liabilities and require a grant application to be made, our estimate is £1,250-£2,250 plus VAT 

2. For non-taxable estates where we obtain the information regarding assets and liabilities and the estate requires a grant application to be made, our estimate is £3,000 - £4,000 plus VAT 

3. For non-taxable estates: 

• Where you provide all information regarding assets and liabilities, an inheritance tax account is needed and the estate requires a grant application to be made, our estimate is £5,000-£6,000, or 
• We obtain the information required, our estimate is £6,750-£7,750 plus VAT.

4. For full administrations of estates which are either non-taxable or taxable, we can provide an accurate estimate once we have full details of the Estate. Full administration of an estate would typically include:

• Advise on the terms of the deceased’s Will or intestacy and identify the type of probate application you require.
• Obtain the information regarding assets, liabilities and any other relevant documents to make the application.
• Draft the Probate application and the relevant HMRC forms. This includes calculating the inheritance tax (if applicable) and advising you on any exemptions that may be available to the estate.
• Collect and distribute all assets in the estate. This includes identifying beneficiaries, conducting necessary identification checks, bankruptcy searches and providing the Executors/Administrators with a comprehensive set of estate accounts.
• Finalise the income tax position of the deceased. 

The matter will be charged on a time‑spent basis. In addition to our hourly rates, we may charge a combination of time spent and a value element as per the Law Society guidelines. A full breakdown of our current hourly rates by department and grade is available on our website at www.deanwilson.co.uk/pricing/our-hourly-rates, and your Engagement Letter will confirm the specific hourly rates that apply to your matter.

There will be various disbursements, but the exact figures are unquantifiable at this stage. However, you should budget for the following: 

• Probate Registry application fees are £300 plus £16 for copies
• Official copies of the Grant at £16 per copy
• Land Registry fees of £7 for Office Copy Entry
• Asset and Liabilities searches from £165.
• Shareholder valuation fees
• Section 27 notices of £200 plus VAT
• Bankruptcy search fees, made against beneficiaries.
• Certainty Will Search fee from £50 plus VAT 

The average Estate takes around 12 months to finalise. This is dependent on the complexity of the Estate. The Probate Registry have an estimated time frame of up to 16 weeks to receive the Grant of Probate/Letters of Administration once an application has been submitted.