If you have recently lost a relative, or have been named executor of a Will, it is important to have an understanding of Probate law in order to appreciate, understand and implement your responsibilities lawfully and effectively. We are here to help you through this difficult time and give helpful, friendly advice in this complicated area.
A Grant of Probate provides legal authority for Personal Representatives to administer and distribute the deceased’s estate. Without this document, banks, building societies, insurance companies and other similar organisations will not hand over the deceased’s assets.
The phrase “Grant of Probate” is a general term that is often used to describe obtaining a “Grant of Representation”, of which there are three types:
- Grant of Probate
Probate is a Grant of Representation provided when a Will has been created and an executor has been appointed. It is evidence of the executor’s authority to manage the deceased’s estate with authority stemming from the Will itself; - Grant of Letters of Administration
Letters of Administration are granted where the deceased died without a Will, and the Grant acts as authority for the administrator to act. - Grant of Letters of Administration with Will
This Grant of Representation is appropriate where the deceased made a Will but either failed to appoint an executor, or all the executors named in the Will have died or are unable to act.
The Grant of Probate or the Grant of Letters of Administration is the legal authority given by the court to enable the deceased’s estate to be distributed accordingly.
Based upon the information that you provide us, we will:
- Check the validity of the Will, or confirm those entitled to apply for a Grant of Letters of Administration
- Prepare the Statement of Truth
- Prepare the IHT 205
- Arrange for you to sign the Statement of Truth and IHT 205
- Submit the signed Statement of Truth and IHT 205 documents to the Probate Registry
We will forward the Grant to you, together with any sealed copies requested to enable you to complete the administration of the estate
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Our fees |
£600.00 & VAT |
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Disbursements |
Probate fees |
£273.00 |
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Each sealed office copy of the Grant |
£1.50 |
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Timescales
We would estimate six to eight weeks for completion of this work on your behalf.
Our fixed fee will not cover additional work such as:
- Engaging in correspondence with the Probate Registry other than submitting the application for the Grant and the receipt of the same;
- Confirming probate valuations;
- Engaging in correspondence with HM Revenue and Customs over the completed IHT205 form;
- Engaging in correspondence with the DWP regarding assets and liabilities in the estate.
Whilst a Grant-only application would enable you to collect in the assets, settle liabilities and pay legacies prior to the distribution of the balance to the beneficiaries yourself, we would be happy to assist with any other matters associated with the administration of the estate and can prepare a bespoke quotation for any additional work you would like us to carry out for you.
In this respect our fees would be charged on a time basis alone with our fees ranging between £100.00 to £205.00 per hour plus VAT and disbursements, depending upon the level of the case handler allocated to your matter. A time estimate would also be provided alongside our costs estimate.
