Transparency in Price & Service > Administration of a Deceased Person's Estate and Probate

The death of a loved one can be a difficult time and the prospect of dealing with a deceased's person's estate can seem daunting. Knowing what to do, what action to take and who to contact can be unnerving. Our team at Wall James Chappell is here to assist you and ensure that the whole process runs smoothly at this very difficult time.  Please click here to read our guide What to do when someone dies. Our dedicated team of solicitors at Wall James Chappell have vast amount of experience in delivering high quality work in all matters relating to wills and estate administration. The team has particular expertise in high value estates and inheritance tax matters with over 75 years collective experience.

What to do when someone dies

Each estate is different and can vary in complexity from very simple estates to those that are extremely complicated. The cost of dealing with an estate and probate process can therefore vary depending on how much work is involved and also, the overall value of a deceased`s persons estate.  Some estates have to pay Inheritance Tax and this can increase the complexity and work involved.

We always recommend an initial meeting or consultation with the Executors and/or family in order to advise more accurately on the likely costs involved.

Your matter will be dealt with by a fully qualified solicitor who specialises in probate work and the administration of deceased person's estate. Please click on each photograph to view profiles.

Christopher Hamlyn

Susannah Griffiths

James Rousell

Rebecca Clark

Please see below for more detailed information on our pricing structure. This note is merely a guide.

If you would like us to simply apply for a Grant of Probate or a Grant of Letters of administration then we offer a fixed fee service of £1,000 - £1,500 plus VAT.  This is on the basis that you are able to provide us with all of the information required including the valuation of estate assets and liabilities. This fixed fee will be on the basis that the distribution of the estate is dealt with by you (or the Executors) once Probate has been obtained.
In addition, there would also be the following disbursements*:

• Probate application fee of £273 plus £1.50 for every additional copy of the Grant of Probate obtained
• £10 Settling fee (if required)

*Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as court fees. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process

How long will this take?

Typically, preparing the probate application forms and obtaining the grant of probate takes upto 16 weeks from the date of application.

Potential additional costs

If you unable to provide valuations of the estate assets you may wish for us to obtain this information for you. Depending how much additional work is needed, this likely to increase costs. In addition, if once Probate has been obtained, you ask us to collect and distribute the assets of the estate to the beneficiaries this will increase our overall costs. This is something we would discuss with you.

If there are missing Executors or an Executor wishes to renounce their role as an Executor this can, in some cases, increase costs and this is something we would again discuss with you.

Other Advice in connection with a deceased person's estate and more information on our Private Client services

Please got to www.gov.uk/inheritance-tax for more information on Inheritance Tax

*VAT is currently levied at 20%