Probate Price Transparency Statement

We strive to ensure that our costs in assisting clients with estate administration (and associated probate applications) are clear, predictable and proportionate. Whilst we will use our best endeavours to provide you with an accurate estimate as to likely fees (our own and third party costs) at the outset of your matter, we will revisit our costs (unless fixed) as your matter progresses.

We will work to agree a pricing basis with you suitable to the nature of the instructions provided including but not limited to:

Bexley Beaumont’s Legal Fees

We have provided details of likely charges (including legal fees and disbursements) to be incurred where we are instructed in the case of:

We would be happy to assist with more complicated estates including international assets, Trusts, taxable estates, full inheritance tax returns and claims for reliefs and exemptions, but in such cases we will consider the nature of the estate to agree with you an individual estimate or quote on the facts.

Similarly, to the extent that your matter is more straightforward, perhaps an estate with only one property or it is a simplified estate where a surviving spouse survives (and as such a matter of transferring once probate has been granted) our costs will be reflective and agreed on the facts.

In the case of an intestacy, costs will vary case by case depending on the nature of the probate application required (and ancillary applications for appointments of second trustees), and again, in such a case we would ask you to make contact to discuss the estate in question in order for us to provide a fair and accurate estimate if not a quote.

To the extent a matter becomes more complicated than initially envisaged, or if additional assets or liabilities are discovered or if you require us to assist with matters not originally anticipated, we will discuss with you how this additional work will be charged, either by an agreed extension to the quoted hours required (where costs are calculated based on time spent) or by increasing the fixed costs originally quoted. We will raise the need to increase our costs agreed where required at our earliest convenience.

Disbursements payable to Third Parties as part of the estate administration

Timeline of Estate Administration

The fees quoted above relate to an estate for which we have been instructed to obtain probate and to take the estate through to distribution and conclusion. Whilst there may be variations based on the facts, we would ordinarily expect such a case to progress as follows:

Services Not Included

The example provided above upon which we have summarised likely costs and disbursements does not include and we will not assist with or advise upon the following unless specifically agreed:

Timescales

On average, estates that fall within this quote range are dealt with within 3 – 9 months.

We would expect to apply for the grant of probate within 2 – 6 weeks

On average, probate is usually granted within 3 – 6 weeks

Collecting assets then follows, which can take between 3 – 4 weeks.

Once formalities have been complied with and the executors have been protected, we will work to deal with distributions as quickly as possible, which normally takes 2 – 4 weeks.

How we help

Bexley Beaumont are probate specialists, they are trusts and estates practitioners (STEP qualified) and are happy to help you with your estate to the extent required.

We offer a bespoke service and whilst we are happy to deal with the most complicated estates including those with multiple trusts, inheritance tax liabilities and claims for several inheritance tax reliefs we are similarly happy to assist those who simply require our assistance for a specified stage or part of the estate administration process such as:

Your case will be dealt with by Bexley Beaumont’s private client partner (a STEP qualified solicitor) at all stages and you will liaise with them directly and consistently throughout. Your case will not be delegated to non-qualified administrators / paralegals or junior solicitors and as such you can ensure that your case will be dealt with accurately, time efficiently, cost efficiently and with a view to the estate concluding as quickly as possible.

Should you require assistance with an estate or any part of an estate, please do not hesitate to contact one of our Private Client Partners within the Private Client Team