Charges & Fixed Fees

Probate Solicitor Fees

When someone dies then the executors of their Will are responsible for collecting the estate in and distributing it in accordance with the Will. Executors are formally appointed, by the deceased, in their Will.

Many Solicitors and banks charge a percentage of the estate for dealing with the administration of an estate.  Here at Laker Legal Solicitors we believe that approach to be unfair and disproportionate. The firm`s fees are determined upon the complexity of the estate and not the size of the estate.

OUR CHARGES

The Probate Team is headed up by John Hirst who is a Solicitor, Director of the Firm.

The firm`s Probate Solicitors and their respective hourly charges are as follows :

The exact cost will ultimately depend on the individual circumstances of the matter.  By way of example if there are only 1 or 2 Beneficiaries, a limited number of bank accounts, a straight forward tax return (on form IHT205) and no house sale then legal fees would range approximately between £2,000 – £3,000 + Vat. (Currently at 20%).  If there is a house sale then conveyancing would be in addition.

A more complicated uncontested administration of an estate (involving a full inheritance tax return) would usually cost between £4,000 – £8,000 + Vat, (20%) depending upon the level of assets and complexity of the matter. This is a guide only and a detailed estimate will be provided to you upon request to take account the individual circumstance of your case. Our charges guidance would be in addition to the below disbursements, (disbursements are expenses your solicitor pays on your behalf and is then charged out to you).

  • Probate Court fee of £300.00
  • £1.50 for each office copy of the Grant required (1 per asset usually)
  • If applicable to your case – possible fees for Trustee Act Notices in the London and Local Gazette– usually range between £200 – £400 + Vat (20%)
  • Telegraphic Bank Transfer Fees when we are sending monies – £42.00 including VAT
  • ID verification charge – £42.00 including VAT
  • Bankruptcy only Land Charges Department search (£2.00 per individual)
  • This is on the basis there are no claims or challenges against the estate.

OUR FIXED FEE SERVICES

We may be able to provide a Fixed Fee following consideration of the complexity of the estate and overall case. In the event we are able to offer you a fixed fee then we will:

  • Provide you with a fully qualified Probate Solicitor to handle your matter. This either be a Director of the firm or another Solicitor who will be supervised by a Director.
  • Identify the legally appointed executors or administrators and beneficiaries
  • Accurately identify the type of Probate application you will require
  • Obtain the relevant documents required to make the application
  • Complete the Probate Application and the relevant HMRC forms
  • Draft a legal oath for you to swear
  • Make the application to the District Probate Registry
  • Obtain the Probate and securely send two copies to you
  • Collect and distribute all the assets in the estate

In the event that there is a property to sell or transfers of land / property to deal with in connection with the estate matter then we will separately quote for the same.

Please contact us for a free initial chat over the telephone to discuss your case and see how we can help you at this difficult time.

Testimonials

What our clients say...

I can highly recommend John Hirst at Laker Legal solicitors in Lancaster. He was superb from start to finish dealing with a very complex child arrangements case for me. A really decent guy and an excellent family law solicitor who genuinely cares about his clients. John was fully up to speed with my case at all times and we got the outcome we wanted.

Mr B, Kendal

Jessica Blacow from Laker Legal Solicitors Lancaster pulled out every stop truly amazing lady / firm nothing was to much trouble I honestly felt like they was my friends not just a firm that wanted your money but a solicitor firm that cared with compassion I will use Laker Legal Solicitors Lancaster for all my needs in the future.

Mr T, Lancaster

Thank you for all your help and support over the last 12 months. You and the team at Laker Legal have been fantastic.
Sarah was lovely and really supportive yesterday.

Ms. W of Leyland

Thank you so much Richard, you have been so kind and patient with me when I have been at about the lowest point of my life after losing my wife, I can never thank you enough. I will also let my family know my wishes that Laker Legal Solicitors deal with my estate when that time comes.

Mr Y, Addington, Kent.

I used the services of Jess and the team at Laker Legal as a first time buyer looking for properties to buy, near and around Bath.

Jess was fantastic, in her communication during the process as well as her knowledge and ability during the conveyancing process. She helped me make informed decisions and ultimately find and purchase a wonderful home near Bath. Jess is adept at spotting potential issues during a purchase that I believe others may not.

She clearly excels at her craft and you will be in safe hands should you use her services too.

Bath.

A devastating event brought us to call on Laker Legal. We were put in touch with Mr John Hirst, and from the first moment we spoke to him we knew everything was going to be ok. Mr John Hirst, was always on the end of the Phone or Email, Kept in touch with us 100% of the time, and the support we received took so much pain off our family. All i can say is Thank you so much for everything you did for us.

Ms P - Maidstone

Best conveyancing experience ever. After two supposedly good law firms failed to even do the basics post instruction, for nearly 8 weeks, Jess at Laker Legal took on the difficult challenge of overseeing my purchase and completion in record time. Always proactive, very knowledgeable of her subject and extremely good communicator. I never had to chase the firm for anything. They always answered my calls efficiently. I can't praise them enough. What a wonderful experience.

I recommend Jess and would be very happy to use her again in the future.

Mrs A, Lancaster.

I am very pleased with Laker Legal firm, my Solicitor John Hirst, was extremely helpful throughout the drawing of my prenuptial agreement. A very professional and knowledgeable approach yet warm,and friendly enough to feel comfortable with in a situation that can be quite uncanny to discuss or uneasy as per say. Thankyou again!

Mrs V – London

A big ‘thank you’ Richard from Steve and myself. Your time and attention you gave to both of us was remarkable. I’ve had dealings with many solicitors over the years, but have never received this level of service as you gave.

Mrs R – West Malling, Kent

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