PROBATE

DSL SOLICITORS PRICING STRUCTURE

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DSL Solicitors are here to assist you through the Probate process through what can be a very emotional and testing time. Our Solicitors are experienced in this area of law and are able to offer a complete service. We can offer either a fixed fee or variable rate retainer to suit your individual circumstances and needs. We offer either a Grant only service or a Full Administration Service.

If there are any additional fees payable, then examples of these costs and disbursements (expenses which we pay to third parties on your behalf as part of the process) are detailed below.

How long will the procedure take?

Each case is different and after an initial consultation with you we will be able to confirm the timings relevant in your case.

For a Grant only service where an IHT205 is submitted the typical timescale involved in providing a Grant only service is 5 weeks from receipt of all the information. If an IHT400 is required, then the time taken for the Grant to be issued can take up to 10 weeks.

For a Full Administration Service, the timescales would be dependent on a number of factors and variables in the particular case however, an average timescale would be in the region of 6 – 12 months. Obtaining the Grant could take between 8- 10 weeks from instruction and thereafter the collection of any assets should take between 4- 6 weeks after the issue of the Grant.

Grant only applications

This service can be a cost-effective way to obtain either Letters of Administration or a Grant of Probate where there is no Inheritance Tax payable. DSL Solicitors will draft the required application to the Court to obtain the Grant using information provided by the family or Executors.

If information is provided by Executors then our fees will be charged from £750 + VAT up to £1300 + VAT and disbursements.

If DSL Solicitors are to obtain the figures required to prepare the Probate application then our fees will be charged from £900 + VAT up £1400 + VAT and disbursements.

Full Estate Administration Service

If DSL Solicitors are required to undertake the administration of the estate to include distribution of any assets then fees will be typically start from £2,500- £5,000 + VAT (for a fairly straightforward estate). This fee estimate is based that there may be a property to sell or transfer, a number of bank accounts (up to 8) and quoted stocks and shares (up to 5). It would also be simple to identify the beneficiaries named under the Will and if there is not a will then the estate would be easily identifiable.

We would need to meet the Executors or the family to discuss the estate before undertaking any work. A complete tailored cost estimate would be provided which is the total estimated costs which we believe that you may incur when dealing with the Estate. Any disbursements (additional fees) which would include the Probate Registry Fee would also be provided at that time.

The most likely disbursements for Probate applications will usually be the Probate Registry Fee of £155, for more information on the Probate Registry Fees please refer to this link https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/probate-fees

Exceptional Circumstances

We have advised of average costs and fees involved with these types of applications however you must bear in mind that each client has their own individual circumstances and there will be occasions when exceptional circumstances will add to the complexity of your matter and the initial time estimates which would have been provided to you at the outset of your matter. DSL Solicitors will always keep you updated of any change in costs and circumstances and explain the reason why. We will notify you in writing if our fees will increase from the costs estimate that is provided to you at the outset of your matter.

Please contact us on 0121 7022758 and speak to either Sonia Dassaur or Sonia Nath who will be able to assist you with any further information you may require.