Probate price list
OUR PRICES Probate price list
Important information
Please note that the pricing figures listed below are illustrative.
The final cost of instructing Leigh Duncan Solicitors may vary based on your individual circumstances. We recommend that you contact us to discuss your specific needs and obtain a personalised quote.
Who will manage my case?
Our probate work is led by Ingmar Heil, a solicitor qualified since 2002, who oversees all our private client services, excluding conveyancing.
What are the costs?
Hourly rate
Probate work can be billed on a time-spent basis at £217 plus VAT (£260.40) per hour, charged in six-minute increments.
Fixed fee agreements
We can also establish a fixed fee arrangement in advance, typically starting at 1% of the estate’s gross value plus VAT.
Tailored fixed fee arrangements
For most clients, we create customised fixed fee arrangements at the outset, designed to meet the specific structure and requirements of the estate.
Indicative examples
Simple Probate
Starting at £2,200 inclusive of VAT for obtaining a Grant of Probate with a Will, one Executor, simple UK assets, and no inheritance tax due.
Standard Estate Administration
Typically £7,430 inclusive of VAT, covering the Grant of Probate, asset collection and distribution for an estate with a Will, two Executors, and numerous simple UK assets, where no inheritance tax is payable but necessary inheritance tax forms must be completed to claim transferable allowances.
Complex Estate Services
Up to £13,020 inclusive of VAT for a comprehensive service that includes asset valuation, obtaining the Grant of Probate, paying inheritance tax, and managing a complex estate with multiple Executors and extensive UK assets. This will require submitting a full inheritance tax account (IHT400 with schedules).
Are there any additional costs?
You should anticipate covering disbursements, which are costs payable to third parties, including:
| Probate Registry Fee | £300 |
| Official copies of Grant of Representation | £1.50 each |
| Notices for Creditors | From £300 plus VAT |
| Bankruptcy search | £6 per beneficiary |
What is the process and timeline?
The probate process varies significantly depending on the estate’s size, value, and asset complexity.
Typical steps include:
- Identifying the Will, Executors, and beneficiaries
- Assessing the estate’s assets and liabilities
- Calculating due taxes
- Obtaining the Grant of Representation
- Collecting assets, paying debts and taxes, and managing administrative expenses
- Preparing estate account
- Distributing funds to beneficiaries
The duration of the probate process can vary, often taking several months. For straightforward cases where only a Grant of Probate is required, the process could be completed in approximately two months.
Ready to start the conversation?
For further information or to receive a personalised cost estimate, please contact Leigh Duncan.
Specialist services
We offer a broad range of legal services designed to protect and manage your personal and financial interests. Our dedicated team of professionals is committed to providing tailored solutions that meet your needs, ensuring security for both your present and future.
