Proctor Moore Solicitors

 

Probate (when the deceased left a Will) or Letters of Administration (when there is no Will, known as dying intestate) is the legal authority granted to an individual or group to manage a deceased person’s property, finances, and possessions. This legal process is commonly referred to as administering an estate.    

 

We understand that dealing with the loss of a loved one is an incredibly challenging time, and our dedicated probate services are designed to ease the burden, providing compassionate guidance and expert support every step of the way.

 

We provide advice in relation to administration of the estate of a person who has deceased. This includes providing advice with regard to inheritance tax due (if any). Administering an estate has various stages and we work closely with the family (if no Will) or if there is a Will the executor(s)/executrix(es). We ensure that the estate is accounted for in accordance with the rules and full disclosure is made to HM Revenue and Customs (where applicable) so that we can apply to the Probate Registry for Grant of Probate/Letters of Administration. In some circumstances probate is not even required and we are happy to provide advice about this.

 

Legal costs vary depending on the size and complexity of the estate / cost estimate provided after initial consultation – Terms and conditions apply.

 

Grant of probate
A particular type of grant of representation obtained from the court. It confirms the legal authority given to an executor of a deceased’s will, to act in the administration of a deceased’s estate.

The grant allows the executor to deal with the assets in a deceased’s estate, for example to close their bank accounts, to sell their property and pay their debts and expenses of the administration of the estate.

 

Probate
The process of proving a will by the executors. The term is also commonly used to describe the process of obtaining a grant of representation, even where there is no will (although this is not the strict definition).

 

Time scale

The likely time scale are made in consideration of the issues known to the caseworker at the time the client care letter is sent. We also make comparisons to other cases of similar issues.

We estimate the average time scale 10-12 months but can take up to 2 years including all steps up to obtaining probate, dealing with the final account and to ensure the estate is administered correctly in accordance with the wishes of the person who has died.

Although we endeavour to provide realistic time scale this is an estimate and can change. If we anticipate a change we shall let you know in writing during course of your matter. There are many factors out of our control but we assure you that we will try to resolve your matter as quickly as possible.

 

Our Staff

Work on your matter may be done by a mix of Solicitor(s), Paralegal(s), Trainee(s) and experienced conveyancing staff. Xen Andreou, solicitor since November 2003 and sole principal of this firm. Xen will have overall conduct and supervision of your matter who has had extensive experience in probate matters. Please see our team: Team – Proctor Moore SolicitorsProctor Moore Solicitors

 

Costs

Consultation fee

We charge £250.00 (Plus VAT, £50.00) for the first initial consultation, details of which were provided to you when your appointment was made to attend our offices. No advice will be provided in writing unless instructed to do so our firm’s fees for providing advice in writing is an additional £150.00 (Plus VAT, £30.00).

 

Itemised costs

If we are instructed further we provide a cost estimate tailored for each particular estate.

The following costs based on the above time scale:

i. Our firm’s costs to be between £6,000.00 (Plus VAT, £1,200.00) and £10,000.00 (Plus VAT, £2,000.00).
ii. Disbursements such as probate registry fees no more than £500.00 (no VAT applicable), expert’s fees other than Counsel’s fees to be no more than £2,500.00 (Plus VAT, £500.00 if applicable).

Work carried out on your matter by our firm’s Mr Andreou will be based on the hourly rate of the caseworker at £250.00 per hour (Plus VAT, £50.00), letters sent are charged at £25.00 (Plus VAT, £5.00) per letter, telephone calls no more than 6 minutes are charged at £25.00 per telephone call (Plus VAT, £5.00) and letters received charged at £12.50 per letter (plus VAT, £2.50).

Work carried out on your matter by our firm’s Solicitor will be based on the hourly rate of £160.00 per hour (Plus VAT, £32.00), letters sent are charged at £16.00 per letter (Plus VAT, £3.20), telephone calls no more than 6 minutes are charged at £16.00 per telephone call (Plus VAT, £3.20) and letters received charged at £8.00 per letter (Plus VAT, £1.60).

Work carried out on your matter by our firm’s Paralegals/Trainee solicitors based on the hourly rate of £120.00 per hour (Plus VAT, £24.00), letters sent are charged at £12.00 per letter (Plus VAT, £2.40), telephone calls no more than 6 minutes are charged at £12.00 (Plus VAT, £2.40) per telephone call and letters received charged at £6.00 per letter Plus VAT, £1.20).

If this firm does not complete the work or the matter becomes abortive (for any reason whatsoever) we will charge you an abortive fee based on our hourly rate. The abortive fee will be equivalent to the work carried out by us but will not exceed the estimated quotation above.

If this matter becomes unduly protracted we shall inform you of any cost changes at the appropriate time.

 

Value element

Our firm’s estimated costs does not include a value element which is a percentage of the value of the assets of the estate and this is charged in addition to the consultation fee and itemised charges. The percentage charge is usually 0.5% (excluding VAT) on the value of the deceased’s residence and 1% (excluding VAT) on the value of the gross estate less the value of the residence.

For example: if the value of the deceased residence is £200,000.00 our firm will charge an additional £1,000.00 (Plus VAT, £200.00) and if the value of the gross estate less the value of the residence is £150,000.00 our firm will charge an additional £1,500.00 (Plus VAT, £300.00).

 

Complexity uplift

Depending on the complexity of the matter we reserve the right to charge an uplift in addition to the consultation fee, itemised fee and value element, and we have not taken this into account for our cost estimate and this is in addition to our basic costs and percentage charges. This complexity uplift can be between 1% to 60% (excluding VAT). Deciding on issue of complexity is at the sole discretion of our firm and relates to intricate detail required, issues of fact/law and time constraints (imposed by you, 3rd party or law) which cause the firm to prioritise the matter spend additional time. Some examples of complexities include one or more of the following:

• the deceased being a widower which could cause unforeseeable complexity depending on the case.
• deceased died intestate but an issue has been raised that a Will may exist.
• the deceased may have a long term partner.
• 50% of residue to relatives and the remaining 50% to named charities/other beneficiaries.
• one or more of the executors/beneficiaries live outside UK.
• more than 1 property (including residential).
• the estate includes one or more commercial/business property.
• the estate includes rental property with a tenant.
• more than 2 current accounts.
• more than 1 saving account.
• the estate comprises of stock(s), share(s) or other investment(s).
• lifetime gifts made by the deceased.
• the specific gifts and cash legacies being to 3 individuals or more.
• inheritance tax is payable, exemptions may or may not apply.
• full inheritance tax account to HM Revenue & Customs whether or not tax is payable.
• the Will contains alterations.
• the Will is not clear as to its terms.
• there is a dispute as to whether a Will exists.
• the Will includes a trust.
• enquiry raised by all beneficiaries and some enquiries are requested separately
• more than 2 children of the estate and at least 1 child not included in the will.
• guardianship clause in the Will.
• a dispute between the long term partner and the children.
• historical documents which require investigations
• deceased was in public or private care.
• minor beneficiaries.
• a dispute arises with regard to one or more beneficiaries or potential beneficiaries.
• a dispute arises with regard to one or more executors/administrators.
• potential dispute arises in respect of the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975.
• care costs – liaise with local authority.
• limited family members who are not beneficiaries/executors and our firm is required to take active steps to secure assets etc.
• more than one items of chattels considered by our firm to be valuable (monetary or sentimental).
• premium bonds.
• claim made against the estate.
• the estate in a dispute with a third party and litigation advice is required.
• probate is required abroad.
• Our firm needs to liaise with foreign lawyer or foreign company.
• the estate comprises of a limited company or other corporate entity.
• our needs to liaise with an accountant or broker.
• issues with the regard to the state of repair or condition of properties of the estate.

For example, if our firm’s costs are £8,000.00 (excluding VAT) and we charge a complexity uplift of 20% then our firm will charge an additional £1,600.00 (Plus VAT, £320.00).

 

Percentage Charge based on the gross value of the estate

However, there are some estates where our fees are based on a percentage charge as opposed to above costs as follows:

–        2.5% (excluding VAT) of the gross value of the estate value where the gross value exceeds £1,000,000.00. For example if the gross value of the estate is £1,200,000.00 our fee is £30,000.00 (Plus VAT, £6,000.00) or
–        3.5% (excluding VAT) of the gross value of the estate value where the gross value exceeds £2,500,000.00. For example if the gross value of the estate is £3,000,000.00 our fee is £105,000.00 (Plus VAT, £21,000.00) or

–        5% (excluding VAT) of the gross value of the estate value where the gross value exceeds £5,000,000.00. For example if the gross value of the estate is £5,100,000.00 our fee is £255,000.00 (Plus VAT, £51,000.00).

All executors and beneficiaries will be informed about our firm’s fees in our firm’s client care letter so that clients can make informed decisions about the fees charged by our firm. We will also confirm our anticipated value of the estate. 

The above percentage charges based on the gross value of the estate may vary according to the estate value and/or deadlines (as set by the client or otherwise applicable) and/or issues and/or complexities, and we will discuss them with you at the appropriate time. As with all matters, we are transparent about our charges and will confirm these to you in our client care letter, which are our terms of business. We will proceed with your matter once we have confirmation from you that our charges are agreed.

 

Disbursements

The following disbursements are likely to be included in probate matters. Please note that these costs can change from the time of it being uploaded on the site, so we recommend you check with the case worker at the time of the fee being incurred. There are also some costs that are estimated as it depends on the administration and asset(s) involved:

• Application fee to the court- £300.00 if the estate is over £5,000.00 (Depending on the court fee at the time) (No VAT is applicable).
• Extra copies of the grant – £1.50 each (No VAT is applicable).
• Postage fees- up to £50.00 (Depends on the amount of letters sent) (No VAT is applicable).
• Official Copies of Title Deeds – £7.00 (per title document) (No VAT is applicable).
• Valuation of shares – £25.00 (Plus VAT if applicable £5.00) – £200.00 (Plus VAT if applicable £40.00). Please note depending on the size and amount of shares held price may vary and you will be informed in advance of the disbursement being incurred. 
• Obtaining marriage certificate – £12.50 (per certificate) (No VAT is applicable).
• Bank Transfer Fee (Chaps) – £16.00 each (No VAT is applicable).
• Post in The London Gazette started from £92.20 (Plus VAT, £18.44) and up to £125.80 (Plus VAT, £25.16).
• Experts fee – £500.00 (Plus VAT if applicable £100.00).to £10,000.00 (Plus VAT if applicable £2,000.00). Please note, depending on valuation required, item(s), value and expertise fees may change and you will be informed in advance of the disbursement being incurred. 

Services included in Probate Matters

The probate process typically involves the following key steps included in the cost estimate set out above, handled by a solicitor or specialist probate practitioner: 

1. Collating Documentation & Initial Estate Review

– Gathering all relevant paperwork (wills, death certificates, asset/liability records).

– Identifying executors or administrators (if no will exists).

2. Notifying Relevant Parties

– Contacting banks, investment firms, pension providers, and creditors to freeze accounts and request probate valuations.

– Informing utility companies, landlords, and subscription services of the death.

3. Valuing the Estate

– Obtaining professional valuations for property, vehicles, jewellery, and other assets.

– Confirming outstanding debts (mortgages, loans, credit cards, unpaid taxes).

4. Inheritance Tax (IHT) Compliance

– Preparing and submitting IHT400 and additional forms (if applicable).

– Calculating tax due (including reliefs like spouse exemption or business property relief).

– Arranging payment (often via funds from the estate or direct transfers).  

5. Applying for the Grant of Probate/Letters of Administration

– Drafting the probate application.

– Submitting to the Probate Registry (with sworn statements if required).

– Liaising with the court to resolve queries or delays.

6. Estate Administration

– Settling debts, funeral expenses, and outstanding taxes.

– Liquidating assets (e.g. transferring shares, closing accounts).

– Handling disputes (e.g., inheritance claims under the Inheritance Act 1975) where proceedings have not been issued.

7. Distribution to Beneficiaries

– Transferring inheritances as per the will or intestacy rules (if no will).

– Providing estate accounts to beneficiaries for transparency.

 

Services Not included

The above services do not include contentious matters where proceedings have been issued and litigation services are required. If proceedings are issued we will provide separate cost information. 

Also the above services do not include fees for selling a property of the estate.

 

Costs Information

We shall keep you informed about the running costs at regular intervals of at least every 3 months.

If we are instructed on your behalf after the initial consultation, we shall require money on account generally for costs and disbursements and this can vary between £300.00 to £750.00 before we can proceed further with your matter.

 

Invoices

We shall render regular invoices in intervals of at least every 3 months until your final invoice. We require payment of our firm’s invoices within 14 days (or other date provided to you at the time) however usually in probate matters we agree to await payment until completion but this is to our absolute discretion.

 

Tax Advice

You should take separate advice in relation to Capital Gains Tax, Corporation Tax and Personal Tax. We strongly recommend you seek advice from your accountant on tax issues. Please note, Capital Gains Tax may be payable on the disposal of the deceased’s property if a gain has been made from the value at the date of death to the value at the date of sale.

 

Note: We can provide you with the above information in another format, and you can request this by emailing info@proctormoore.com or telephone 02083643111.