When you’ve just lost somebody, the thought of going through the Probate process might fill you with dread.
It would help if a probate solicitor could take it off your hands without charging a huge fee!
You might also worry about it taking an extremely long time, especially if it’s not always being pushed forward by a dedicated team of experienced inheritance tax lawyers.
Try Deo Law, the Specialist Probate Lawyers in Lincolnshire
From simple Estates in Lincoln with property and a couple of bank accounts to much more complex Estates across Lincolnshire with foreign property, investment portfolios, and inheritance tax to pay, we can help.
At Deo Law, our experienced, friendly, and professional estate lawyers are equipped to handle all types of Probate and we will be honest with you about the costs and the likely timescales from the start.
If you’re looking for the leading inheritance tax lawyer and probate solicitor in Lincolnshire, then look no further! Don’t hesitate to contact the team in Lincoln to discuss your specific needs.
A Probate Process that Doesn't Cost the Earth
The Probate process can be split into two Phases:
Phase 1:
- Review the Will
- Value the assets of the Estate
- Apply for the Grant of Probate
Phase 2:
- Collect the assets using the Grant of Probate
- Settle any debts and expenses
- Distribute the Estate to the Beneficiaries
Probate Fees
Our probate solicitors typically spend 5 to 10 hours preparing to apply for the Grant of Probate.
Our rate is £200 plus VAT per hour so the fees would most likely be £1,000 to £2,000 plus VAT for Phase 1.
This estimate assumes:
- There is a valid Will
- The Executors arrange the valuation of estate assets
- The shorter inheritance tax form applies, rather than the longer one
- There are no disputes or claims against the Estate
There are other issues that may impact the estimate for Phase 1 but we will have that conversation with you and keep you updated throughout.
To be clear, Phase 1 does not include any distribution of the Estate to the beneficiaries.
VAT is charged at a rate of 20%
Phase 2 could take anywhere between at least 10 and 30 hours. At the rate of £200 plus VAT per hour, the fees will be at least £2,000 to £6,000 plus VAT for Phase 2.
This estimate assumes:
- The deceased had only one property
- There are no more than five beneficiaries (all of whom are easy to locate and speak with)
- No beneficiary is bankrupt or insolvent
- There are no disputes or claims against the Estate
- There is a valid Will
- There are no foreign assets or liabilities
- The deceased had no more than three quoted UK shareholdings
- There are no complex legacies such as revenue from copyright works
There are other issues that may impact the estimate for Phase 2 (such as paying inheritance tax) but we will have that conversation with you so that you’re kept updated on fees throughout. Generally speaking, for Estates with one property, a couple of bank accounts, and a simple Will, the fee would be very much at the lower end of the scale.
VAT is charged at a rate of 20%
Points to note
There may be other work required alongside Probate such as a property transfer, Deeds of Variation, and specific tax advice. These will be quoted separately.
In addition to Deo Law’s fees, there will be disbursements payable – these are costs that third parties charge. For example, the Land Registry charges £3 to order the property information from its online database and the Probate Registry charges £300 for the Grant of Probate.
We will usually raise a bill at the end of each month if we are instructed to administer the whole Estate (Phase 2). Where money can’t be released until the Grant arrives, we understand that the bills may have to wait so please don’t worry.
As to timescales, we estimate:
- 2 to 3 months to get the Grant of Probate; then
- 2 to 6 months to collect the Estate assets; then
- 2 to 3 months to distribute the Estate
All in all, the full Probate process may therefore take 6 to 12 months.
All Probate work at Deo Law is carried out by Jemal Deo. Jemal is a solicitor (SRA No. 503107), having qualified in September 2012. Whether you’re in Lincoln or elsewhere across Lincolnshire, please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team of probate lawyers to discuss your requirements today!