Legal fees for probate
Burch Phillips & Co. have a fixed fee of £1,000.00 plus VAT of £200.00 for obtaining a Grant of Probate to an estate where no Inheritance Tax Account is required (usually estates worth less than £325,000) and where you, the client, supply the necessary information regarding the deceased's assets and liabilities. Because the Probate Registry estimates a period of 16-weeks between making the application for the Grant and the issue of the Grant, the whole process from start to finish can take up to 5-months.
For more complicated estates we charge at an hourly rate of £325.00 plus VAT of £65.00 and £32.50 plus VAT of £6.50 for each letter written. Where we deal with collecting asset information and the distribution of assets to the beneficiaries, we may charge up to 1% of the gross estate plus VAT.
It is impossible to say how long a complicated case may take, as this depends on many factors, such as the number of assets to deal with.
In all cases there will be a Probate Fee which is presently £300.00 plus £16.00 for each additional copy of the Grant of Probate required.
Transparent Legal Fees at Burch Phillips & Co
At Burch Phillips & Co, based in West Drayton, we believe that clarity regarding legal costs is fundamental to a successful solicitor-client relationship. We understand that seeking legal advice can be a daunting prospect, particularly concerning the potential financial commitment. Therefore, we are committed to providing a transparent, competitive, and upfront legal fee structure across all our departments, including residential conveyancing, probate, family law, and litigation.
Where possible, we offer fixed-fee arrangements for standard services. This is particularly common in transactions for leasehold properties and other properties, allowing clients to budget effectively without the fear of hidden surcharges. For more complex or ongoing matters, such as contentious probate or matrimonial disputes, we provide detailed estimates based on an hourly rate. In these instances, we provide regular billing updates to ensure you remain fully informed of your accrued costs at every stage of the legal process.
Our goal is to ensure that professional legal representation remains accessible. We provide a comprehensive breakdown of all disbursements—third-party costs such as court fees, Land Registry charges, or search fees—so there are no surprises on your final invoice. By choosing our West Drayton practice, you receive expert local knowledge paired with a clear, honest approach to solicitor fees. Contact our team today and find out how we can help you.
Frequently Asked Questions
As a Sole Practitioner, Stephen Phillips, who qualified as a Solicitor in 1976, personally deals with all legal work referred to on this page and elsewhere on this website, ably assisted by his administrative staff. Get in touch for advice and to book an appointment.
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