Estate Administration / Probate

Probate


Losing a loved one can present stressful and challenging times for those left behind.

The thought of completing the necessary documentation, attending at court for a probate interview, administering and accounting for the deceased's assets prompts executors to search for professional assistance.

Personal representatives (executors (when there is a Will) or members of the family (when there is no Will or an intestacy)) can ask me to assist them in a variety of ways. You decide what level of involvement you wish me to have. 

I can be employed in just an advisory capacity, obtaining the Grant of representation (Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration) or handling the total estate administration.  

For clients who do not have anyone to appoint as an executor, or feel that their affairs should be dealt with by a professional, I can provide a solution and act in the administration of their estate.

Probate Charges

Probate or estate administration work is charged on a time spent basis.

Time spent includes meetings with you and perhaps others, considering, preparing and working on papers; correspondence; making and receiving telephone calls.  

My hourly rate for this type of matter will be £220 per hour.  At the present time I am not registered for VAT so at the current time this will not be chargeable to you.  However, if my position should change during the course of matters, VAT may become chargeable.  It is extremely difficult until I have had an initial discussion or sometimes a meeting with you to be able to give you an estimate of what you can expect my total charges to be. These can depend upon factors such as the number of different assets a person had at the time of their death or some other complexities.  

My probate or estate administration service generally involves contacting the places where the person who has passed held their assets with a view to valuing the estate.  This allows a determination of the form of HM Revenue and Customs Inheritance Tax account necessary.  Following this an application for the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration can be made.  Once these documents are issued by the Probate Registry then the assets can be encashed.  Next, any other HM Revenue and Customs matters can be completed.  Finally, once any statutory notice periods have been observed then the estate can be distributed in accordance with the Will or by virtue of the Intestacy rules.  During this time there will be other steps which I will advise you of as and when appropriate.

It may be that you only require me to complete certain steps in the process outlined above. We can discuss this at the outset and review matters from time to time as appropriate.

Estate administration times can vary from several weeks to in excess of a year for more complicated matters, it all really depends on the nature of the assets held and whether there are any other complexities.  

During the course of the estate administration process there are several disbursements which may need to be paid.  I expect that these will be as follows:-

HM Land Registry Property Search fee     £3

HM Courts and Tribunal Services Probate Registry application for Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration   £300 plus £1.50 per copy

Estate Search  (various)

Trustee Act Notice (varies)

Accountancy fees (to finalise any Income and CGT matters with HM Revenue and Customs) (varies)

HM Land Registry bankruptcy searches £1 per beneficiary payable prior to distribution






Wills and Probate Advice Solicitors Liverpool 18