Our Probate Services
The death of a loved one and dealing with their affairs can be a difficult and traumatic time.
The stress felt by the family often leads them to make quick decisions without thinking of the cost or consequences.
We encourage bereaved families to stop for a moment, talk to us about probate and sorting the deceased’s affairs, and to make informed decisions.
If you are an Executor under a will or a relative sorting the affairs where there is no Will, our Bereavement Team are here to give you advice.
First of all, we’ll talk about the situation so we understand about the deceased and their circumstances. Some reassurance that you’re doing nothing wrong is often needed?
Thereafter, an explanation will be given as to what needs to be done and how easy or hard this is likely to be.
Ultimately, you’ll want to know how much it will cost for our Bereavement Team to do some or all of the tasks at hand.
Thereafter, you can make an informed decision as to how you wish to proceed.
To ensure they follow strict rules most Executors need professional advice.
Crucially, any loss or errors in sorting the affairs of the deceased is the personal liability of the Executors. Not knowing is not an excuse.
If the deceased owned jointly held accounts and property, or, if they had little in terms of savings, then probate may not be necessary.
Letters of Administration are obtained from the Court by the next of kin if the deceased did not leave a Will. This is a certificate similar to a grant of probate.
Where there is no Will, money and property belonging to the deceased are divided between relatives in a strict order.
Issued by the Court to the deceased’s Executors, a Grant of Probate is a certificate.
Most importantly, the Executor uses this certificate to sell houses, close bank accounts, deal with insurance companies and everything in between.
Any liabilities and tax due from the estate is paid by the Executors who then distribute any money and possessions in accordance with the Will.
OUR FIXED FEE SERVICE
Here’s how we work;
- We attend a free no obligation meeting to discuss the deceased’s affairs
- At that meeting, our Bereavement Team will provide a fixed fee for administering the affairs in whole or in part depending on the clients requirements
- No fees will be charged until completion unless otherwise agreed
Our Typical Probate Service Fees
Obtaining the Grant of Probate only an excepted estate with no IHT payable £750.00 plus VAT and disbursements*
Obtaining the Grant of Probate only, where a full return is required but no IHT payable £1,000.00 plus VAT and disbursements*
Full end to end administration to include obtaining Probate, sell house, close accounts, complete estate account £2,000.00 plus VAT ** and disbursements*
*If Full Inheritance Tax (IHT) return to HMRC is required with application for probate
*Disbursements include out of pocket expenses such as Probate, Estate Agent and Commission.
** Full end to end administration services start from £2,000.00 plus VAT plus disbursements, the fee for this will depend on the number of assets, the value of the estate and/or the number of beneficiaries in the estate.
