Probate Wills & Lasting Powers of Attorney

We would encourage everyone to make a Will for there are many benefits.

One of these is that  it gives those left behind clarity as to the testator’s wishes. 

Equally we would encourage everyone to make a Lasting Power of Attorney, as this is a document that gives authority to an attorney to step in and make decisions about a persons finances and their care once they lose capacity and are unable to make those decisions themselves. 

No one likes to consider such subjects, but it is prudent and wise to do so. 

Our solicitors are again on hand to discuss and draft either a Will or LPA and to help you consider what instructions you might want to leave to family or friends. 

Our prices are affordable and competitive, and we believe we can make the necessary arrangements efficiently. 

Once a person passes away, there is then an obligation to finalise his or her estate and distribute it accordingly. We can help shoulder this burden and make the process as easily as possible. We can contact all the necessary authorities on your behalf, prepare the tax and probate documents and transfer any land. 

This is a difficult time for family and friends and therefore we recognise the need to find closure as soon as possible in a sensitive manner.

★★★★★

“all the staff were helpful and Mr Llyr ap Dafydd was professional at all times and able to converse with my elderly relative in Welsh- this was very helpful and put us at ease in our meetings.”

★★★★★

“ideal- quick, clear, helpful; would all lawyers be as sensible”. Mr Bird

★★★★★

“You’ve completed tasks to my satisfaction. Your office is in a convenient location, parking nearby and on the flat, and you also have Welsh speaking staff”. 

★★★★★

“You came to my home at a time when I was unable to get to you, and were very kind”.

Services we provide in this area includes (but not exhausted to):

  • Drafting Wills and Codicils

  • Drafting and registering Lasting Powers of Attorney

  • Obtaining Probate

  • Obtaining Letters of Administration

  • Distributing an estate, including accenting land to a person

  • Court of Protection applications

  • Work as an attorney, or deputy

  • Work as an executor(s)

  • Commissioners of Oaths

Probate Wills & Lasting Powers of Attorney - Fees

 

Our Fees (£)

Wills

1 Will

£180 + VAT of £36 giving £216

2 Wills

£260 + VAT of £52 giving £312

Lasting Powers of Attorney

1 LPA

£350 + VAT of £70 giving £420

2 LPA

£500 + VAT of £100 giving £600

4 LPA’s

£750 + VAT of £150 giving £900

LPA registration fee - (Disbursement)

£82 per application

Probate

Our fees Probate hourly rate

£235 per hour +VAT of £47 giving £282

Value element (additional) of the  deceased home

0.5%

Value element (additional) of the estate

1.0%

Disbursements (likely) Probate fee

£300

Office Copies for the Grant of Probate (Disbursement)

£1.50

Bankruptcy Search Fee (Disbursement)

£1.00

Statutory Notices (Disbursement)

£150-£250

Pricing

The fees involved in a probate matter can vary depending on individual circumstances, such as whether there is a valid will and the nature of the estate's assets and beneficiaries. Below are some illustrative examples of potential fees.

Example Estate 1 – Basic Estate

  • Assets: 1 property, 2-3 bank accounts

  • Will: Valid

  • Liabilities: None

  • Beneficiaries: 4

  • Estate Value: £180,000

  • Estimated Fees: £2,500 - £3,000 + VAT (£500 - £600)

  • Total Estimated Cost: £3,000 - £3,600

Example Estate 2 – Estate

  • Assets: 1 property, more than 2-3 bank accounts

  • Will: Valid

  • Beneficiaries: 4 personal representatives

  • Estate Value: £250,000

  • Estimated Fees: £3,500 + VAT (£700)

  • Total Estimated Cost: £4,200

Example Estate 3 – Complex Estate

  • Assets: 1 property, 8 bank/financial institution accounts

  • Will: None (intestate)

  • Beneficiaries: 4

  • Estate Value: £730,000

  • Estimated Fees: £10,000 + VAT and disbursements

Our conveyancing department can assist with the sale of property, which is subject to separate fees. Please refer to our conveyancing pricing for further details.

Additional Costs

Electronic Money Transfer Fee

  • Fee: £35.00 per transaction

  • VAT: £7.00

  • Total per transaction: £42.00

AML Search (per person)

  • Fee: £11.25

  • VAT: £2.25

  • Total per person: £13.50

Disbursements

Disbursements are third-party costs associated with administering an estate. Some examples include:

a) Inheritance Tax

Inheritance Tax is separate from the fees listed and is determined by the size and composition of the estate. You can calculate the amount payable using HMRC's tools and calculators.

b) Other Costs

Other potential costs include:

  • Property clearances

  • Sale of shares

  • Insurance related to estate administration

If the estate includes shares, additional fees may apply for obtaining replacement share certificates or sale of the shares through a share agent.

Re-Sealing Charges

If the estate includes foreign assets, it may be necessary to re-seal the Grant of Probate in the relevant country. Fees will vary depending on the jurisdiction.

Potential Additional Costs

  • Creation or winding up of a trust

  • Changing trustees

These situations may incur additional charges, and we'll discuss options once we've reviewed the circumstances.

Time Scales

The probate process typically takes 3–12 months for estates not subject to inheritance tax. For estates with inheritance tax, it may take 12–24 months. Significant delays may occur at the Probate Registry and with the sale of property, especially when registering properties with the Land Registry.

If disputes arise regarding estate distribution, it may be necessary to delay the process until the dispute is resolved.

Exclusions

The following are not included in our cost estimates:

  • Property sale fees

  • Trust registration with HMRC

  • Income tax return completion

  • Capital Gains Tax submissions

  • Re-sealing Grant of Probate in a foreign jurisdiction

We can provide estimates for these additional services upon request.

Third-Party Services

Some services may require assistance from third-party professionals, such as:

  • Specialist tax and accountancy advice

  • Property and asset valuations

  • Property clearance

  • Selling/transferring shares

  • Re-sealing Grant of Probate in foreign jurisdictions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Probate?

Probate is the process of proving a will's validity and confirming who has authority to administer the estate of the deceased. If there is no will, an application for a Grant of Administration is required, which serves a similar purpose.

Do You Need a Grant of Probate or Administration?

This depends on the assets involved. For example, if the only asset is a bank account with less than £15,000, the bank may release the funds without probate. However, if there is a property that does not automatically transfer to a surviving co-owner, a Grant of Probate will be required.

What is the Probate Process?

  1. Identify assets and liabilities: This step typically takes 6-8 weeks.

  2. Pay inheritance tax and apply for probate: The Probate Registry process may take 16 weeks or longer.

  3. Collect assets and pay debts: Once the grant is issued, assets can be gathered, and debts settled.

  4. Prepare estate accounts and distribute assets: Once estate accounts are approved, the assets can be distributed to beneficiaries.