Friendly, understanding and efficient

This is an area of work where we are very busy. It is important that clients consider the possibility of making a Will, and take advice concerning what would happen to their estate on death. It is important to ensure that your assets are distributed as you would like them to be, and not in accordance with Intestacy Laws. We can take you through the process from initial instructions to signing your Will, at a reasonable cost, and it could prevent any problems or bad feeling after your days. Please contact either Michael Greenway at our Porthcawl office or Howard Jones at our Bridgend Office for advice on Wills, and on Probate.

We have assisted many clients since the firm was formed in administering a person’s estate at a very difficult and emotional time. We provide a friendly and understanding service, and understand the need to deal quickly and efficiently to help take some of the stress out of dealing with what sometimes can be complicated issues, at a time of bereavement. Contrary to common perceptions, the legal costs for administering an estate are quite reasonable and are charged usually on an hourly rate with a percentage charged on some estates. Banks, and some probate practitioners charge a percentage of the value of the estate across the board, which, where for example the estate only comprises a house and perhaps a bank account, can be an expensive exercise for a straight forward procedure.

In recent years it has been very popular for people to consider preparing a Lasting Power of Attorney. We all need to consider what would happen to our assets and who would run our financial affairs, should we become incapable due to mental illness, a stroke, or even an accident which renders us incapable of dealing with our affairs. A Lasting Power of Attorney allows you to appoint a member of the family or a friend to deal with these matters on your behalf should one of these situations arise. If you do not have a valid Lasting Power of Attorney, or an old style Enduring Power of Attorney, then should the need arise, someone would have to make an application to the Public Guardianship Office in order to deal with your affairs. This can be a more costly, and time consuming exercise than signing a Lasting Power of Attorney now. The forms are lengthy, and there are strict requirements as to counter-signatories and certifying that you understand the document, and a Solicitor is best placed to advise you on this. If you wish to consider preparing a Lasting Power of Attorney please call either Michael Greenway at our Porthcawl Office, or Howard Jones at our Bridgend Office. Telephone, fax and e-mail details are set out in the section headed “Contact Us”

Home visits can be arranged for elderly or disabled people who may not be able to attend the office, without any additional expense.

 

Services Offered

Estate planning

Trusts

lasting powers of attorney

probate

funeral plans

Something else

Something else

Something else

Our Fees

We offer a fixed fee for applications for Grant of Probate which is limited by the amount of assets in the estate. The price below details what is included and what limitations there are for the service. The Grant of Probate services include the completion and submission of the relevant forms and other required documentation for taxation as well as the completion and submission of forms for the grant of probate.

The below prices do not include VAT or disbursements.

 
GRANT OF PROBATE

Non-Taxable Estates – £750

Includes:

  • Preparation & Submission of Inheritance Tax Form for non-taxable estates
  • Application for Grant of Probate.

Does not include:

  • Asset valuations or obtaining asset valuations, or collecting in or distributing the estate

This fee allows for the following to be included in the estate:

  • 2 Properties
  • 12 Bank/Building Society Accounts
  • 12 Beneficiaries

Intangible assets may also be included such as shareholdings.

Timescale: Attaining grant of probate for a typical estate can take between 6 and 8 weeks.
 
GRANT OF PROBATE AND ESTATE ADMINISTRATION

The below is an estimate for attaining a grant of probate as well as administering an estate. Our fees are calculated on an hourly rate and an estimated cost for this service is provided below based on a typical case.

This estimate includes completing and submitting paperwork in relation to taxation, application for the grant of probate, discharging any liabilities, and the administration of the estate on your behalf.

The below does not include VAT.

  • Estimated Cost: £3,960 – £4,840
  • Hourly Rate: £220
  • Estimated Hours: 18-22
  • Plus Disbursements (charged separately): £200 – £400
  • Estimated Timescale: 6 – 9 months

Includes:

  • Completion and submission of Inheritance Tax forms for the estate.
  • The preparation and submission of the application for grant of probate
  • Gathering the estate’s assets
  • Distributing those assets to up to 12 beneficiaries of the estate

The estimate is based on a service which includes us dealing with 2 properties, twelve bank/building society accounts, as well as intangible assets such as stocks and shares. This would apply where we would be distributing assets to up to twelve beneficiaries.

There may be additional tax due on this matter which would be separate to the estimated cost.

For additional information on Inheritance Tax please visit the gov.uk website: gov.uk/inheritance-tax

Disbursements are costs related to third party services which we pay on your behalf. We have not included the following disbursements in the above prices which may be charged in addition to the above fee. We price these based on the cost these services are charged to us:

Probate Application Fee: £155 (plus £1.50 per additional copy)

Please note: 

  • These fees do not apply where any assets of the estate are outside of the UK
  • These fees do not apply if the Will or distribution of the estate is contested or the executors are in dispute
  • These fees do not apply if there is a claim against the estate under the Inheritance (Family & Dependants) Act 1975
  • Fees may vary dependant on individual circumstances.
Speak to us about your case

Every case is different, to get a bespoke estimate contact us today.

Bridgend
01656 653485 (Bridgend)
bridgend@whittinghams.co.uk

Porthcawl
01656 788823
porthcawl@whittinghams.co.uk

Probate - Our Process

STAGE 1 – Valuing the Estate

At this stage we will go through the deceased’s papers and bank statements to establish their assets and liabilities. This can be quite straightforward, however in some cases there may be multiple investments, properties, and other personal belongings to consider.

At this stage we may need to contact banks, lenders, fund managers, pension providers, the local government, the DWP, and HMRC.

STAGE 2 – File Inheritance Tax Forms

Regardless of whether inheritance tax must be paid inheritance tax forms must be completed. One form is used for non-taxable estates, another for taxable estates.

Whittinghams will complete the related forms as well as any additional schedules to establish the amount of tax payable.

STAGE 3 – Pay Inheritance Tax

If there is inheritance tax payable on the estate then it must be paid prior to obtaining the grant of probate. Funds can be transferred directly from one of the deceased’s accounts for this if there are sufficient funds.

STAGE 4 – File Probate Forms

Once we have assessed the size of the estate we will be able to complete the probate application form by applying to the Probate Registry.

The Executors will need to sign a statement of truth at this stage to confirm that the details of the application are correct.

STAGE 5 – Pay Probate Fees

At this stage we will pay the applicable probate fees on your behalf. These are fixed regardless of the size of the estate and are detailed above in the disbursements section.

STAGE 6 – Administer the Estate

We will collect in the assets of the estate, discharge the liabilities and subsequently distribute the estate in accordance with a Will or Intestacy rules.