Probate & Letters of Administration

How we can help

We will assist you with all aspects of obtaining Probate (where there is a Will) or Letters of Administration (where there is no Will). This will include the preparation of forms to be submitted to HMRC in respect of any Inheritance Tax that may be payable and thereafter we will make application to the Probate Registry for a Grant or Probate or Letters of Administration as appropriate.

Once Probate and/or Letters of Administration has been granted we can pay any estate
liabilities and collect in and distribute all estate assets.

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International probate matters:

Birkwells is a firm with an international outlook. Our specialist knowledge on cross-border matters where the estate has assets, personal representatives, heirs and other interests are situated across more jurisdictions is well established.

We also benefit from an extensive network of likeminded overseas advisers including in Denmark, France and Spain.

Probate Prices & services 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

Probate fees, hourly rates and expenses

Our fees vary depending upon 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 which may be required. Based on our experience administration costs can normally equate to between 1% to 3% of the gross estate. Please note that this is only a guide, not an estimate.

We calculate our fees by reference to the time our fee earners spend working on the matter. 

Status
  • Partner
  • Solicitor
  • Case manager

Hourly rate

  • £400 – £450
  • £300
  • £120

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

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 gross 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 sum 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
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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 8932
LF@BIRKWELLS.COM

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