Wills, Powers of Attorney and Probate Fees

Pricing Information for Wills, Powers of Attorney and Probate

Please see details of pricing and disbursements below. VAT is calculated at the rate applicable at the time the work is carried out, this is currently 20%.  Pricing information is correct as of March 2023 and will be reviewed and updated every six months.

Wills

Codicils

Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA)

The following fees include preparation and registration of the LPAs at the Office of the Public Guardian.  In each case, additional registration fees are payable to the Office of the Public Guardian

Registration of Enduring Power of Attorney        

£280 per Registration

Probate

Each case is unique and we'll advise you in our initial consultation what level of support is required. When we are instructed to assist, we can offer the following services:

• Obtaining initial instructions, reviewing papers and providing advice at the outset
• Preparing legal documents and grant applications to obtain a Grant of Probate or Grant of Letters of Administration
• Carry out the estate administration as a whole (contacting third parties, collecting in assets, paying any estate liabilities and distributing the estate as per the deceased's Will or as per the rules of intestacy if no Will is available)

How much does it cost?

Based on your individual circumstances we'll advise you on the best option for you. Call us today for one of our specialist solicitors to provide you with an estimate.

Our fees for the administration of an estate range between 1.5% to 2% of the gross value of the estate. This may vary depending on the estate itself. You would be informed of any increase to our estimated fees prior to us carrying out any further work.

For a very straightforward grant application with no inheritance tax payable, we offer a fixed fee of £1,500 plus VAT and disbursements. However, if the application involves more complex issues, an uplift on our fee will be charged. This will be agreed with you in advance.

VAT is charged at 20%.

Hourly rates

Our hourly rate is £280 plus VAT.

Disbursements

In addition, there will be fees payable to third parties, e.g.

• Probate application fee of £273 payable to H M Courts & Tribunals Service
• £1.50 for each copy of the Grant
• Fee to place a statutory notice in the London Gazette and a local newspaper to protect against claims from unknown creditors – approximately £250
• Bankruptcy searches – Typically £2 each

How long does it take to administer an estate?

Each estate is individual and can differ in the time it takes to finalise administration.  This largely depends on the complexities of the estate itself.

The administration of an estate which is not liable to inheritance tax with no property to sell can usually be administered within 12-18 months.  The process does, however, involve liaising with outside agencies such as HM Revenue & Customs and other institutions whose timescales are outside our control. 

An estate which is subject to inheritance tax will take longer to administer, because information will need to be submitted to and agreed with HM Revenue & Customs.  For example, a relatively simple estate which is liable to inheritance tax with one property to sell is likely to take 18-24 months to administer.

Can I pay legal fees from the estate?

Yes, if you are the administrator or executor you can opt for legal representation and the professional fees are paid from the estate.

Our Team

Katie Mantin

Senior Partner

Katie is the founder of Mantins and manages all areas of the business including heading up the Property and Private Client departments. She is a highly experienced solicitor and acts for a broad range of clients including corporate investors and lenders, as well as private individuals and trusts.

In addition to her work as a solicitor, Katie is a Notary Public, appointed by the Archbishop of Canterbury, which position enables her to authenticate documents for use in other countries worldwide.

On every instruction, the interests of Katie’s clients are paramount and she is happy to take decisive and immediate action in order to achieve their aims.

Katherine Hopkins

Partner

Katherine studied law at Leicester University graduating with an LLB (Hons) and thereafter obtained a distinction in the Legal Practice Course. She became a partner in the firm in 2015.

A highly experienced solicitor, Katherine specialises in residential property and private client matters and is a full member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).