The following case studies address a number of potential scenarios and the costs associated with these estates. It’s important to remember that every estate is different and, therefore, the fees detailed here are only indicative of what you might expect.

The total fee will depend on the time spent on your case, with calculations based on hourly rates. The applicable rates will be advised during any initial meeting/s. All fees are plus VAT at a rate of 20%.

Case Study 1

The Executors of an Estate, that does not require an Inheritance Tax account (IHT400), provide GH Probate Limited with all the information necessary to calculate the value and composition of the Estate, and to apply for and obtain the Grant of Probate.

Estimated fee: £1,200-£1,600. This depends on the number of assets / executors involved and quality of the information provided.

Case Study 2

The Executors of an Estate provide GH Probate Limited with all the information necessary to calculate the value and composition of the Estate, and to apply for and obtain the Grant of Probate. An Inheritance Tax account (IHT400) is not required. In addition, we collect in the assets of the Estate, pay the Estate debts, and distribute the Estate to the beneficiaries, as per the Will.

Estimated fee: £1,900-£2,700. This depends on the number of assets there are to collect in and the number of beneficiaries to distribute to.

Case Study 3

The Executors of an Estate provide GH Probate Limited with all the information necessary to prepare the Full HMRC Inheritance Tax account (IHT400) and related schedules, to calculate the Inheritance Tax payable (if any), and to apply for and obtain the Grant of Probate.

Simple Estate – Estimated fee: £1,900 (a simple estate might encompass a single property, a few bank accounts and National Savings, for example. Essentially a simple estate refers to straightforward assets, where this type of application is only required to claim the residence nil rate band and or transferrable residence nil rate band).

Complex Estate – Estimated fee: £2,500-£4,600 (a complex estate often encompasses a number of investments, properties and pensions etc.).

Case Study 4

The Executors of an Estate provide GH Probate Limited with all the information necessary to prepare the Full HMRC Inheritance Tax account (IHT400) and related schedules, to calculate the Inheritance Tax payable (if any), and to apply for and obtain the Grant of Probate. In addition, we collect in the assets of the Estate, pay the Estate debts, and distribute the Estate to the beneficiaries, as per the Will.

Simple Estate – Estimated fee: £2,700-£3,700 (as outlined above).

Complex Estate – Estimated fee: £4,000-£10,000 (as outlined above).

Case Study 5

The Executors of an Estate provide GH Probate Limited with as much paperwork as they can find, but require GH Probate Limited to obtain details of the assets and liabilities as at the date of death from third parties, to enable us to calculate the value and composition of the Estate and apply for and obtain the Grant of Probate. A full Inheritance Tax account (IHT400) is not required. In addition, we collect in the assets of the Estate, pay the Estate debts, and distribute the Estate to the beneficiaries, as per the Will.

Simple Estate – Estimated fee: £2,600-£3,900 (as outlined above).

Complex Estate – Estimated fee: £4,000-£6,000 (as outlined above).

Case Study 6

The Executors of an Estate provide GH Probate Limited with as much paperwork as they can find, but require GH probate Limited to obtain details of the assets and liabilities as at the date of death from third parties, to enable us to prepare the Full HMRC Inheritance Tax account (IHT400) and related schedules, to calculate the Inheritance Tax payable (if any), and to apply for and obtain the Grant of Probate. In addition, we collect in the assets of the Estate, pay the Estate debts, and distribute the Estate to the beneficiaries, as per the Will.

Simple Estate – Estimated fee: £3,600-£4,600 (as outlined above).

Complex Estate – Estimated fee: £5,000-£12,000 (as outlined above).

Fees are variable, depending on whether we are provided with all the information required, the number of assets and beneficiaries involved, and an executors decision to request additional services at any time. A number of these additional services are outlined below.

Disbursements (other services and charges as appropriate)

  • Probate Registry application fee: £300, plus £16.00 per official copy of the Grant of Probate that is required.
  • Estate Tax Return or Informal Tax Disclosure: £350 per tax year.
  • London Gazette notice: £180.
  • Trust Registration fees: £350 per Trust.
  • Will search for intestate estates: £140.
  • Missing asset search is £222.

Examples of Estates administered by GH Probate

  • We acted on behalf of an Executor where the Estate only consisted of his deceased wife’s 50% share of their property and three bank accounts. Probate was only needed as one of the bank accounts was held in the deceased’s sole name and the Building Society required Probate to release the funds. The remaining two accounts, and the property, passed to the spouse by survivorship.
  • We acted on behalf of an Executor where the estate consisted of a large number of investments, bank accounts and pension policies. We prepared the Full Inheritance Tax account (IHT400) and related schedules, and obtained the Grant of Probate. We went on to collect in and distribute the assets of the Estate, in accordance with the Will, and to obtain an Inheritance Tax refund by submitting a fall in value claim to HMRC.
  • We prepared an Estate which included a large number of investments both in the UK and overseas. We obtained values for the relevant investments and prepared complex Inheritance Tax Calculations in respect of the Estate.
  • We have dealt with a number of Estates where a charity/charities are the beneficiary/beneficiaries of a large proportion of the Estate. We have managed the Estates efficiently, liaised with the charities to keep them informed, and ensured that they receive any legacy in accordance with the Will.
  • We have dealt with many Estates whereby Probate has been required following the death of a son/daughter’s second parent. These Estates often consist of a property, a few bank accounts and maybe an investment or Premium Bonds. In these instances, we have prepared the necessary IHT form and, where applicable, claimed and calculated the nil rate band transfer and the residence or double residence nil rate band. For some of these Estates we have gone on to collect in and distribute the assets, whilst for others we have just obtained the Grant of Probate and then passed the Estate over to the Executor to collect in and distribute.

To speak to a member of our specialist probate team in Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire or Bedfordshire about your requirements, and to receive a no obligation quote, contact us today.

Our Probate service is provided through GH Probate Limited. For more information about our services please contact us or email us at probate@georgehay.co.uk. GH Probate is the trading style of GH Probate Limited. Registered in England and Wales number 9630102. Registered Office: St George’s House, George Street, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire PE29 3GH. Authorised to carry out the reserved legal activity of non-contentious probate and the administration of oaths in England and Wales by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales.

To read more about the terms of our probate engagements, click here.