Grant of representation - example fees

Assuming that no inheritance tax is payable and HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) require only a simple form of inheritance tax return to be submitted, then our costs for obtaining a Grant of Representation usually fall in the region of £2,500 - £3,000 plus VAT. In such circumstances we would expect to be in a position to submit an application for a Grant within 3-4 months of being instructed.

In a situation where no inheritance tax is payable BUT HMRC regulations require submission of a full inheritance return, then our costs for obtaining a Grant should usually fall in the region of £3,000 - £4,500 plus VAT. In such circumstances we would expect to be in a position to submit an application within around 4 months of being instructed.

If a full account is required by HMRC because Inheritance tax is payable, then we estimate the total costs of obtaining the grant would be in the region of £4,500 -£5,500 plus VAT. In such cases we would expect to submit an application for a Grant within 5-6 months of being instructed.

In each case, if we were to administer the estate following the issue of the Grant, we estimate fees would be similar to those for obtaining the Grant.

Obviously, every case is different. An estate comprising of a property and a few bank accounts, for example, is going take less time to deal with than one with multiple properties, numerous share holdings as well as other assets. Estates which become contested will also take longer (and therefore be more costly to deal with).

For each estate, however, we provide a more precise fee estimate when we know all the facts surrounding it. This is provided on a no obligation basis and before you instruct us. However, if additional, unknown or unidentified issues arise (such as additional assets being uncovered) then we reserve the right to revise our estimates.

Please note:

A number of disbursements (payments on your behalf) may be necessary in addition, and these are not included in the fees quoted above. The probate application fee will almost always be payable but other payments may be appropriate too.

Some of these are detailed below:

• Probate application fee of £273 (no VAT). A further £5-10 (no VAT) is usually payable to obtain copies of the Grant.
• Bankruptcy searches of £2 per beneficiary (no VAT) which protect against distribution to a bankrupt person.
• Approx. £80 Post in The London Gazette – protects against unexpected claims from unknown creditors.
• Approx. £60 Post in a Local Newspaper – this also helps to protect against unexpected claims. These fees vary from paper to paper however and we have no control over them.
• Land registry fee £5 (no VAT).