Applying for the grant, collecting and distributing the assets
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 can be agreed instead.
We anticipate that an uncontested probate matter will cost in the region of £1,500 to £4,000 plus VAT.
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.
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 included in this fee:-
- Probate application fee of £155 plus 50p for each additional office copy of the Grant. Please note that the Probate fee is likely to go up soon following the introduction of a Statutory Instrument by the Government;
- Bankruptcy-only Land Charges Department searches (£2.00 per beneficiary);
- Other disbursements include circa £350 to cover Statutory Notices – which protect against unexpected claims from unknown creditors.
Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable by third parties, such as court fees. 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.
How long will this take?
On average, estates that fall within this range are dealt with within 3-9 months. Typically, obtaining the Grant of Probate takes 6-10 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 in 1984 and has 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 which he has been involved with since it was first formed.
He admits to being a Trekkie and has published several histories on the subject of Leeds United Football Club.
Sarah Burrow – Trainee Solicitor
Sarah has a degree in Law and Accountancy, has completed the Legal Practice Course and obtained her Masters of Law degree at Huddersfield University. Sarah began her training contract with our Conveyancing department in 2017 and she is currently enjoying working within our Wills & Probate team.
Julia Wilding – Associate
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.
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.
Susan Preece – Associate
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 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.
Gareth Williams – Associate
Gareth Williams qualified as a solicitor in 2007 and joined Chadwick Lawrence in 2008. Gareth specialises in Estate Administration, and has particular experience in dealing with complex estates, including those involving inheritance tax, business property relief, agricultural property relief, foreign assets, foreign testamentary documents and the various inheritance tax allowances available. He also has extensive experience in preparing Lasting Powers of Attorney and Deputyship applications.
He has been a member of STEP since 2017.
Stephen B. Oakes LLB (Hons).- Consultant Solicitor with the Practice
Stephen is a Solicitor with a degree from Leeds University with over 30 years experience in Wills, Trusts, and Probate matters and is a member of STEP.
Paul Carvis
Paul began his legal career in London before returning to his native Yorkshire and ultimately becoming the Managing Partner of Godloves which merged with Chadwick Lawrence in 2012.
Paul was a Deputy District Judge for a number of years and now specialises in probate work in which he is particularly skilled in utilising his commercial experience to deal with complex estate matters.
Paul is based at our central Leeds office where he advises clients on Wills, LPAs and probate matters.
