Guide to probate service prices

We do not charge any upfront costs for our probate services

Our fees are taken from the estate during the course of the administration of the estate. Before we start any work on your behalf, our dedicated probate team will provide you with a clear guide to probate service prices that includes a bespoke written cost estimate (exclusive of VAT) which will detail disbursements (more information on typical disbursement costs below), so there are no hidden costs.

Find out more about the range of probate services and options we can provide for full service or grant only probate.

Cost estimates

Our written cost estimate is calculated using our hourly rates and the anticipated time it will take to complete your matter. The time required is dependent on a number of factors and includes the complexity and importance of the matter, and the skill involved and the need for urgency.

Most of the work will be led by a dedicated Probate Executive, supervised by an experienced member of our team (normally a Solicitor or Probate Manager). Hourly rates for our team are:

• Partner: From £340 to £365 + 20% VAT
• Associate/Senior Solicitor/Senior Legal Executive: £320 + 20% VAT
• Solicitor: From £250 to £290 + 20% VAT
• Probate Manager: £270 + 20% VAT
• Probate Executives: £215 + 20% VAT
• Trainees/Paralegals: £195 + 20% VAT

We are always happy to discuss with you how we can help and provide more information on the most appropriate course of action, what is involved and a clear guide to probate service prices.

If you’d like to have in informal chat about how we can help, then please do not hesitate to contact a member of our team.

Unsure about what probate involves – read more about the key stages of probate here

Who will undertake your work?

Our approach to delivering outstanding client service centres on all our work being led by a dedicated Partner or lawyer who is assigned to manage your transaction. You will have direct access to your dedicated Partner or lawyer who is also supported by a wider team of other professionals and support staff within the firm’s Private Client Team.

All our clients benefit from this wider team approach that will comprise of the following individuals:

• Partner
• Associate/Senior Solicitor/Senior Legal Executive (supervised by Partner)
• Probate Manager (supervised by Partner)
• Probate Executive (supervised by Probate Manager)
• Solicitor/Trainee/Paralegal (supervised by Partner/Associate/Senior Solicitor/Senior Legal Executive)

Change of scope

Our experience of managing all types of probate work means we are well placed to provide an accurate guide to probate services prices from the outset and we pride ourselves on delivering great value for money. Our extensive expertise of advising on ways to limit exposure to inheritance tax and capital gains tax often saves clients unnecessary tax. Naturally, there are times where unforeseen circumstances arise and the scope of our original estimate might change. If this happens, then your dedicated Probate Executive will discuss and agree with you any change in scope and cost before proceeding.

We do not make any additional charge in cases where we are appointed as executors of the deceased’s Will.

Disbursements

Disbursements are costs charged by third parties. There are a range of disbursements that will need to be paid. If we require money on account to do so, we will let you know and you will be refunded from the estate in due course.

For example, the Probate Registry application fee of £300 (no fee for estates under £5,000) is payable to the Probate Registry. We will make clear in our initial fee estimate all the disbursements we believe to be relevant to your case so you will know exactly how much you will have to pay from the outset.

Typical disbursements include:

• Probate Registry application fee – £300 (no fee for estates under £5,000)
• Bankruptcy searches – £2 per beneficiary
• Official copy of a Land Registry title – £3 (excluding VAT)
• Probate valuation fees for properties and household effects – £100 to £1,500 (depending on the valuer and whether a ‘red book’ valuation is required)
• Official copy of the grant of representation – £1.50 (per copy)

Typical case examples and guide to probate service prices

The following are genuine examples of probate cases managed by Rix & Kay and provide a guide to typical probate scenarios and the overall costs.

Rix & Kay Service: Grant of probate only

• Value of Estate: £146,800 (under Inheritance Tax threshold)
• Make up of Estate: Property, cash in bank accounts, premium bonds, limited personal possessions
• Beneficiaries: Sister
• We obtained the grant of probate within two months of the initial client meeting
• Total costs charged by Rix & Kay – £1,000 + 20% VAT
• Total disbursements – £291.10

Read the full case study detailing all services included and cost breakdown here

Rix & Kay Service: Grant of probate only

• Value of Estate: £1,200,000 (liable to Inheritance Tax)
• Make up of Estate: Property, cash in bank & building society accounts, portfolio of investments, collection of antiques
• Beneficiaries: Adult children
• We obtained the grant of probate within three months of the initial client meeting
• Total costs charged by Rix & Kay – £2,300 + VAT
• Total savings to client created through specialist inheritance tax planning – £210,000
• Total disbursements – £305.10

Read the full case study detailing all services included and cost breakdown here

Rix & Kay Service: Full probate administration

• Value of Estate: £297,000 (under Inheritance Tax threshold)
• Make up of Estate: Cash in bank accounts, limited personal possessions
• Beneficiaries: Adult children, local charity
• We applied for the grant within two months of the initial meeting with the client and completed the administration within two months of obtaining the grant.
• Total costs charged by Rix & Kay – £3,500 + 20% VAT
• Total disbursements – £294

Read the full case study detailing all services included and cost breakdown here

Rix & Kay Service: Full probate administration

• Value of Estate: in excess of £800,000 (liable to Inheritance Tax)
• Make up of Estate: Property, cash in bank and building society accounts, portfolio of investments, an asset qualifying for business property relief, trust fund
• Beneficiaries: Adult nephew & niece, 15 named friends and family
• We applied for the grant within five months of the initial client meeting and completed the administration within seven months of obtaining the grant.
• Total costs charged by Rix & Kay – £19,500 = 20% VAT
• Total savings to client created through specialist inheritance tax planning – £178,000
• Total disbursements – £1,681.50

Read the full case study detailing all services included and cost breakdown here