Probate Fee Guide

Fees, hourly rates and expenses

Our fees vary depending on the size, nature and complexity of an estate. Complexity is not always linked to the value of the estate. We will also consider other factors, such as the speed at which action must be taken as well as the expertise or specialist knowledge required. Based on our experience administration costs normally equate to between 1% to 3% of the total estate value. Please note that this is a guide only, not an estimate.

We calculate our fees based on time spent our fee earners working on the matter. 

The fee earners that we anticipate working on your matter at this stage have the following charge-out rates:

StatusHourly Rate
Partner£400 – £450
Solicitor£300
Case Manager£120
Our hourly rates are reviewed periodically to reflect increases in overhead costs and inflation.

In addition to our hourly rates, we charge a value element to factor in the responsibility of undertaking the administration of the estate. The value element is 0.5% of the value of any property in the estate plus 1% of the total value of the rest of the estate.

Our property team’s costs for dealing with or selling any real estate will be charged separately and in addition to the fees for this matter.

Various costs will arise and we may ask for a payment on account.  As an example these may include (but are not limited to):

  • The Grant application fee of £273 plus £1.50 for each copy of the Grant required.
  • Trustee Act Notices. Cost approximately £200 inclusive of VAT.
  • Bankruptcy searches are undertaken against each beneficiary at a cost of £2 each.
  • A copy of the title to each property may be required from the Land Registry at a cost of £3 per title.
  • Copy Death Certificates at £11 each.

Probate Fee Guide in PDF

Download a guide to our fee structure and anticipated disbursements. Please note that there will be further charges, on a time spent basis, in relation to the administration of the matter. 

DOWNLOAD / FEE guide
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KEY CONTACTS

MADS BIRKELAND

Partner
TEL: +44 (0)20 7592 8932
MB@BIRKWELLS.COM

LIZ FLETCHER

Case Manager
TEL: +44 (0)20 7592 8900
LF@BIRKWELLS.COM

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