Estate Administration Prices
The following fee estimates apply to both estates where there is a Will (requiring a Grant of Probate) and estates where there is no Will (requiring a Grant of Letters of Administration). The estimates are structured according to the complexity of the estate and the relevant tax forms required.
Grants of Probate/ Letters of Administration
A Grant of Probate will only be issued to the executors that are named in the Will. In these cases a PA1P Form is Required.
Letters of Administration are similar to a Grant of Probate but are issued instead to the next of kin of an individual who dies without a Will. In these cases a PA1A Form is Required.
(The estimates given are split to provide estimates depending on which tax form is required).
For smaller estates not liable to inheritance tax
No additional tax forms are required except in circumstances where the deceased passed away on or before the 1 January 2022, in which case an IHT205 is required.
For larger estates and estates where they will be liable to inheritance tax
An IHT400 is required.
Grant only service
Full administration service
Grant only service
Full administration service
Fee Estimates by Estate Type
We charge for estate administration services based on our hourly rates. Below you will find our current hourly rates, typical fee estimates for common scenarios, and details of what is included. For a estimate based on the type of grant and service required please see the relevant sections below.
| Grade | Hourly Rate (+VAT) |
|---|---|
| A | £272 |
| B | £233 |
| C | £189 |
| D | £134 |
(All rates are subject to VAT at 20%).
Grant Only Service
Estates Not Liable to Inheritance Tax (IHT205/No Tax Form Required)
| Service Level | Fee Estimate (plus VAT & disbursements) |
|---|---|
| You provide all information | £1,500 – £2,000 |
| We obtain asset information | £2,000 – £3,000 |
Estates Where IHT400 is Required (Larger/Taxable Estates)
| Service Level | Fee Estimate (plus VAT & disbursements) |
|---|---|
| No IHT payable, you provide info | £2,500 – £4,500 |
| No IHT payable, we obtain info | £3,000 – £5,500 |
| IHT payable, you provide info | £3,800 – £6,000 |
| IHT payable, we obtain info | £4,750 – £7,000 |
Full Administration Service
- IHT205/No Tax Form:
Additional fee: £1,500 – £1,800 plus VAT & disbursements
Typical timescale: 6–8 weeks from grant (excluding property sale) - IHT400 Required:
Additional fee: £3,000 – £5,500 plus VAT & disbursements
Typical timescale: 8–12 weeks from grant (excluding property sale)
What’s Included:
- Preparation of closure/transfer forms
- Correspondence with banks and financial institutions
- Sale/transfer of property, shares, and investments
- Collection of estate funds
- Settlement of liabilities and debts
- Preparation of R185 forms
- Preparation of estate accounts
- Distribution to beneficiaries (including ID verification and bankruptcy searches)
Disbursements
- Probate application fee: £300 + £1.50 per sealed copy
- Bankruptcy searches: £2 per UK-based beneficiary
- Statutory advertisements: £200–£250 per advert
- Bank transfer fees: £30 per transfer
- Additional copies of the Grant: £1.50 each
Potential Additional Costs
- No Will or complex shareholdings
- Sale or transfer of property (not included above)
- HMRC or DWP investigations
- Business or charity complications
- Lifetime gifts or loans for IHT
- Significant asset value changes
Additional works will be charged as per our standard hourly fees.
Please Note:
Inheritance Tax, if payable, is not included in our fee estimates. The administration of estates can be complex, and we recommend contacting us for advice specific to your situation.
Timescales
Grant of Probate/Letters of Administration: Typically 3–6 months from instruction, depending on the complexity of the estate and the availability of information.
Full Estate Administration: On average, 6–12 months to complete, including asset collection, payment of liabilities, and distribution to beneficiaries. Timescales may be extended if property sales or tax returns are required.
Our Team
Partner Solicitor – Damian Clode
Trainee CILEX Paralegal – Jess
Contact Us for a Personalised Quote
Every estate is unique. For a tailored estimate based on your specific circumstances, please contact us on 02920 765050. We will be pleased to discuss your requirements and provide a detailed, personalised quote.