What follows is a typical example of our pricing structure in the Probate Department for work on an uncontested probate matter. We can offer flexibility on the charging structures on any file. What follows is an example of an hourly rate charge, but fixed fees or percentage fees may be agreed instead.
An uncontested probate matter will usually cost in the region of £1,500 to £5,000 plus VAT @ 20%.
The exact cost will depend on the individual circumstances of the matter. For example, if there is one beneficiary and no property, costs will be at the lower end of the range. If there are multiple beneficiaries, a property and multiple bank accounts, costs will be at the higher end of the range.
However, each individual matter is carefully assessed at the outset to establish where there are other issues outside the norm that will or could arise to complicate the matter. In this instance, the fee may be more.
The work will be charged at the hourly rate of the person dealing with the matter. Details of these hourly rates can be found below.
We will handle the full process for you. This quote is for estates where:
- There is a valid Will;
- There is no more than one property;
- There are no more than six bank or building society accounts;
- There are no other intangible assets;
- There are 1-5 beneficiaries;
- There are no disputes between beneficiaries on division of assets. If disputes arise this is likely to lead to an increase in costs;
- 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.
Disbursements (payments that are made to other parties) included in this fee:
- Probate application fee of £273 plus £1.50 for each additional office copy of the Grant of Probate. Please note that the Probate fee is set by the government and is likely to increase;
- Bankruptcy-only Land Charges Department searches (£2.00 per beneficiary);
- Other disbursements include between £450 and £700 to cover Statutory Notices in the London Gazette and local newspapers which protect against unexpected claims from unknown creditors.
We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.
Potential additional costs
- If there is no Will, or the estate consists of any share holdings (stocks and bonds), there is likely to be additional costs that could range significantly depending on the estate and how it is to be dealt with. We can give you a more accurate quote once we have more information.
- Dealing with the sale or transfer of any property in the estate is not included.
- We can advise on Deeds of Variation to the deceased’s estate in certain situations. This will incur a separate charge.
How long will this take?
On average, estates that fall within this range are dealt with within 3-12 months. The Probate registry has recently indicated that the application time to obtain a Grant of Probate has been extended to 16 weeks. Collecting assets then follows, which can take between 2-6 weeks. Once this has been done, we can distribute the assets if there is no potential inheritance claim against the estate six months after the date of the Grant but may agree to distribute earlier in certain circumstances.
We do offer options on the way we charge fees that will provide more certainty. Please contact any member of the Probate Department for these alternatives.
Our Probate Team
Howard Dapin – Partner
Howard is the Head of Chadwick Lawrence’s Wills & Probate Team and has over 34 years’ experience in private client work, specialising in Wills and Probate work as well as Lasting Powers of Attorney, Court of Protection matters and Trusts. Howard has been working in this area since he qualified as a solicitor in 1984, and has since helped thousands of families and individuals. He has a particular interest and expertise in assisting small family businesses when they are devastated by a sudden death.
Howard is a proud member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), an organisation in which he has been involved since it was first formed.
He admits to being a ‘Trekkie’ and has published several histories on the subject of Leeds United Football Club.
Howard’s hourly rate is £315 plus VAT @ 20%.
Julia Wilding – Associate and Solicitor
Julia has a wealth of experience in in private client work, having qualified as a solicitor over 20 years ago. Julia was a partner at her previous firm in Wakefield, before joining Chadwick Lawrence in 2016. Julia specialises in Wills, probate and trust work. She is also skilled in dealing with Lasting Powers of Attorney and applications to the Court of Protection. Julia divides her time between our Wakefield and Horbury offices.
An important part of Julia’s work is her practice as a Notary Public. Julia has been a qualified Notary since 2007, and she continues to build her notarial practice at Chadwick Lawrence.
Julia’s hourly rate is £295 plus VAT @ 20% for most matters, but can be £325 plus VAT @ 20% for certain types of work (eg, where she is the executor).
Susan Bateman – Solicitor
Susan qualified as a solicitor in 1984, and now has over 30 years’ experience in private client work, specialising particularly in trusts and complex estates. She also advises and deals with Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney.
Susan is based at our central Leeds office.
Susan’s hourly rate is £315 plus VAT @ 20% for probate and trust work, and £295 plus VAT @ 20% for other areas of private client work.
Angela Thorp – Solicitor
Angela qualified as a solicitor in 1997, and now divides her time between the firm’s Family and Probate teams. She is experienced in dealing with all aspects of relationship breakdown including relationship breakdown, including divorce, financial settlements and childcare matters.
Whilst practising as a family lawyer, Angela recognised how crucial it was for her clients to make a Will and put in place a Lasting Power of Attorney. As a result, she undertook further training and has successfully developed this area of work at our Halifax Office. Angela offers comprehensive advice on Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Probate matters.
Angela’s hourly rate is £250 plus VAT @ 20%.
Susan Preece – Associate and Solicitor
Susan has been with the private client team at Chadwick Lawrence since 1994, passing the ILEX Certificate in Elderly Client Law and Practice in 2008 with a distinction. And she is a Fellow of the Institute of Paralegals.
Susan specialises in the preparation of Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney, advising clients across our offices at Wakefield, Horbury, Morley and Pudsey. Over the 24 years Susan has been a part of this team, she has helped thousands of clients achieve peace of mind that their wishes will be carried out. As well working with clients, Susan is a dedicated Dementia Champion for the Alzheimer’s Society and is the chairperson of the Chadwick Lawrence Dementia Committee, maintaining our firm’s commitment to raise awareness and support those living with dementia, their families and carers.
Susan’s hourly rate is £180 plus VAT @ 20%.
Alex Hunter – Associate and Solicitor
Alex is a Private Client Solicitor at our Guiseley and Bradford offices. Having qualified in 2016, Alex became partner at Whitaker Firth LLP, which merged with Chadwick Lawrence in summer 2019.
Alex advises on Wills and estate planning, Probate, Powers of Attorney and Court of Protection applications, and has a particular interest in helping the elderly client. In 2019, Alex completed the exams to become a fully accredited member of Solicitors for the Elderly, an organisation dedicated to providing quality legal services to older and vulnerable people.
Alex’s hourly rate is £250 plus VAT @ 20%.
Ellie Hirst – Solicitor
Ellie is a Solicitor specialising in Wills, Powers of Attorney and Probate. Ellie was delighted to join the firm in May 2019 as a Paralegal; having already gained prior experience working in Private Client. Ellie started her Training Contract with the firm in April 2020, and qualified as a Solicitor in October 2021.
Ellie’s hourly rate is £250 plus VAT @ 20%.
