VAT
Where VAT is payable in the pricing shown below it is calculated at the current applicable rate (which is 20%).
The figures shown sequentially represent (1) the amount without VAT, (2) the amount of VAT due and (3) the total inclusive of VAT.
Where no VAT rate or amount is shown below, no VAT is payable.
Fixed fee for applying for the Grant of Representation
If you would like to deal with the majority of the estate administration yourself but would like us to just apply for the Grant, then we can prepare and submit the HMRC forms and Online Probate application for you.
Please see below for our fees for obtaining the Grant. This will depend upon the following –
- The size of the estate
- Whether or not there is any Inheritance Tax Payable
- Whether or not the Executors or Personal Representatives need to submit a full account to HM Revenue and Customs
- In some instances, the qualifications and experience of the lawyer dealing with the matter
Fixed Fees
Fixed Fee Bands
£325,000.00 to £650,000.00: £1,750 + VAT (£350) = £2,100
£650,000.00 to £1,000,000.00 (Excepted Estate only): £2,400 + VAT (£480) = £2,880.00
If an Estate is either subject to IHT or requires an IHT Return to be submitted to HMRC then we will cost estimate each matter on a case by case basis, however on average we estimate our fee to fall within the following range: £3,500 plus VAT (£700) – £6,500 + VAT (£1,300) = £4,200 – £7,800
Our Fees
Our fees are split into two parts: time costs and the value element.
Disbursements
- HMCTS Probate Application Fee: £300
- HMCTS Fee for additional copies of the grant: £1.50 per copy
- These disbursements do not attract VAT.
Work We Will Do
- Identify who is legally entitled to apply for the grants, whether it is an appointed executor (within a Will) or the personal representative (usually the next of kin).
- Help you through the process and stages of notification after the person has died.
- Advise you and direct you on what information, documentation, statements, valuations etc. to obtain.
- Prepare, discuss and advise you on the Application for probate.
- Draft or prepare the Legal Statement (usually via the HMCTS online) and advise you on the contents and implication of the Legal Statement.
- Where IHT returns need to be prepared (and any additional schedules) we will prepare, discuss and advise you on these.
- Once the Application is submitted if HMCTS raises any additional questions on the application we will assist you to deal with these questions (this may incur additional fees if the issues were not notified to us prior to submitting the application).
- Once the Application has been granted and we receive the Original Grants we will notify you and release the originals to you (subject to all fees and costs being paid in full).
Timescales
Typically, obtaining the grant of probate takes on average 12 weeks (from the date of the application), but it may take longer if you need to provide additional information or it is a more complicated estate.
Full Probate & Administration
The total fees will include our time costs, value element, additional costs, disbursements, and applicable VAT.
Time Costs
Time costs are charged at an hourly rate.
Our hourly rates (see the list under the heading ‘Probate Team and Experience’ below) range from £121.00 per hour plus VAT to £250.00 per hour plus VAT.
The number of hours work that needs to be done on these cases can vary significantly from case to case, but typically these cases might necessitate between 20 hours and 40 hours of work.
This gives a likely range for our time costs of between:
- £2420.00 + £484.00 VAT = £2904.00
- £10,000.00 + £2,000.00 VAT = £12,000.00
Value Element
This is a small percentage of the value of the estate as declared for Probate purposes and equates to:
- 0.5% of any real estate (plus VAT)
- 1% of everything else (plus VAT)
Example: If an estate has a house worth £250,000 and £50,000 in liquid assets:
- Real estate: £250,000 x 0.5% = £1250.00
- Other assets: £50,000 x 1% = £500.00
Disbursements
Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as court fees. We handle these on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.
- Probate application fee: £157 (includes 4 copies)
- Swearing of the oath: £7 per executor
- HM Land Registry office copy entry fee: £3
- Death notices (London Gazette & local paper): £200–£300
These disbursements are not normally subject to VAT.
Work We Will Do
This service will involve us applying for the grant, collecting and distributing the assets. We will handle the full process for you. This guide is for estates where:
- There is a valid will
- There is no more than one property
- There are no more than 4 bank or building society accounts
- There are no other intangible assets
- There are no more than 4 legatees (people or institutions that receive a cash sum)
- There are between 1 and 4 residuary beneficiaries
- There are no disputes between beneficiaries on the division of assets
- There is no inheritance tax payable and the executors do not need to submit a full account to HMRC
- There are no claims made against the estate
Timescales
Initial Process: To hear back from all asset holders with the valuations required takes 2–3 months.
Grant Application: After valuations, it takes approximately 8–10 weeks for a grant to be issued if no tax is due.
Distribution: Collecting and distributing the estate generally takes 9 months to 1 year, depending on complexity, assets, and beneficiaries.
Note: Very complex estates may take longer based on the asset locations, tax obligations, and number of beneficiaries.
Probate Team and Experience
| Name | Position at Vas Solicitors | Qualifications | Relevant Experience | Hourly Rate plus VAT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nigel Brothers | Consultant Solicitor | Solicitor of the senior courts | 42+ years PQE | £312 + £62.40 VAT = £374.40 |
| Thilagini Anandajeyarajah | Consultant Solicitor | Solicitor of the senior courts | 4+ years PQE | £256 + £51.20 VAT = £307.20 |
