Probate Services

Non-contentious probate work is the term to describe probate work that does not involve a will or estate that is being contested, and which therefore does not involve litigation.

In such matters the Firm will:

• Prepare the paperwork to obtain the Grant of Representation (Grant of probate or letters of administration)
• Valuing the estate, including the creation of a list of the deceased’s assets and liabilities. This will involve establishing ownership, and confirming the value of assets, where necessary using third-party expert valuers.
• Calculation of Inheritance Tax if this is applicable.
• Submit the grant of probate to the Probate Registry.
• Progress the grant through regular communication with the Probate Registry
• Obtain the subsequent copy of the grant and additional copies where required to the those administering the estate.

The time it takes to apply for and gain a Grant of Representation varies but currently dependent on the complexity of the estate it takes between eight and sixteen months from when we are instructed.

If instructed to do so, all other work related to the probate matter will be undertaken by our accountancy firm Falcor BC Ltd:

• Administering the estate. This includes obtaining the estate assets, settling any liabilities and the distribution of the resultant assets to the beneficiaries.
• The preparation of the final estate accounts.

Whilst some aspects of this work will take place in parallel with the obtaining of the Grant of Representation, the main administration of the estate will normally take between six months and a year following the obtaining of the Grant of Representation. This will again vary dependent on the complexity of the estate.

To secure the Grant of Probate we will carry out the following activities:

The level of fees will be dependent on the complexity of the estate, along with the number of beneficiaries and the number of assets and accounts.

In addition to our fees there will also be payments we need to make to third-parties to complete the probate process. These include by are not limited to:

Beyond these disbursements there will be other disbursements that vary considerably these would include:

• Third-party valuations of property
• Third-party valuations of other high value assets such as antiques and jewellery.

Before we start work on your matter, we will provide you with an estimate for the work that we propose to provide, based on the information that you are able to give to us at that time. Please try to be as accurate as possible with the information you provide as if there are significant variations from the information provided this may necessitate an increase in the estimate. We would always advise you in advance and in writing if an increase is necessary, providing you with the reason and the revised estimate.

Indicative cost for our service:

• for a fairly straightforward estate: £1,500 to £5,500 + Disbursements
• for a more complex estate: from £6,000+ Disbursements

We are not registered for VAT for probate activities.