Wills & Probate

Wills

A Will is an essential legal document that ensures your wishes are carried out after your death. It allows you to control how your assets are distributed, who administers your estate, and who looks after your loved ones. A well-drafted Will can protect family assets, reduce the risk of disputes, and save time, stress, and expense for those you leave behind.

Our fees depend on the complexity of your Will and your personal circumstances. Most people’s wishes are straightforward and can be covered by a clear, simple Will.

Prices (simple Wills)

• Single Will: £195
• Mirror Wills (for couples with similar wishes): £295

Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) allows you to appoint trusted individuals to manage your affairs during your lifetime. There are two types of LPA:

• Property and Financial Affairs
• Health and Welfare

It is advisable to have both. LPAs ensure your finances and personal welfare are protected if you lose mental or physical capacity due to illness or accident.

Prices

• One LPA for one person: £350 + VAT
• Two LPAs for one person: £500 + VAT
• Two LPAs for two people: £1000 + VAT

Office of the Public Guardian registration fee: £92 per document

Probate and Estate Administration

Some estates are simple, while others are more complex. Probate costs vary depending on the time and work involved. After meeting with you and assessing the estate, we will provide clear information on likely costs.

Unlike many firms, we do not charge a percentage of the estate’s value. Our fees are based solely on the time and work required.

We can manage the full estate administration from start to finish, or act on a “grant only” basis if you prefer to deal with the administration and practical steps yourself. Grant-only work is more cost-effective.

Full Administration of a Simple Estate

This typically includes:

• Identifying and valuing assets and liabilities
• Correspondence with executors and beneficiaries
• Liaising with HM Revenue & Customs, DWP, the Probate Registry, and others as required
• Preparing and submitting the probate application
• Collecting assets and settling liabilities
• Preparing estate accounts
• Distributing the estate

Prices (Grant with Administration)

Typically, this takes between 12–24 hours work at an hourly rate from £245 to £285 + VAT

Estimated fees: £2,940–£6,840 + VAT

The total costs will depend on the estate. For example, a single beneficiary and no property is likely to fall at the lower end, while multiple beneficiaries, with property, and several accounts will increase costs.

Disbursements (paid to third parties) may include:

• Probate Registry fee: £300 (+ £16 per copy of the Grant)
• Bankruptcy searches: £6 per beneficiary
• Certainty Will Register search: £114
• Statutory notices (variable): approx. £200

Possible additional costs

• Sale or transfer of shares, investments, or property
• Fees for accountants, estate agents, or valuers
• Insurance premiums for estate property

Grant Only Probate Application

You may instruct us on a grant-only basis. You provide all relevant information and values, and you administer the estate yourself after the grant is issued. We prepare and submit the probate application on your behalf.

Price (Grant only)

Estimated fees: £1,000–£2,500 + VAT

Assumptions for Fee Estimates

The above estimates assume:

• There is a valid, uncontested Will
• All assets are in the UK
• There are no trusts
• There are no disputes or claims against the estate
• No inheritance tax is payable and no full IHT return is required
• We are not required to register the death or arrange the funeral

Complex and High-Value Estates

We have extensive experience in administering complex and high-value estates, including those involving multiple beneficiaries, business assets, trusts, or tax and overseas issues.

We are happy to meet with you to discuss your circumstances and explain the process. Once we understand the estate, we will provide clear, transparent information and a realistic budget for our fees, based on the work involved — not a percentage of the estate’s value.