Download a PDF of our Wills, Trusts & Probate Costs
Costs for Wills, trusts, lasting powers of attorney, uncontested probate and estate administration.
Estate planning is when you consider and specify how you want to transfer your Estate Assets to your intended beneficiaries before and after you pass away.
A well-prepared plan will ensure you do so, in the most tax-efficient manner and benefit those most dearest to you in the best way possible, bearing in mind their personal circumstances.
The cost of an effective estate plan will vary, depending on the complexity of your estate and your wishes. For some guidance as to what you can expect to pay, please see our costs below.
For a tailored quotation for your unique situation please contact us.
How much does a Will cost?
There are different types of Wills. The best one for you will depend on your unique circumstances. Our experienced solicitors and practitioners will advise you on the best option and explain what it means for you and your family.
VAT rate 20%
| Type | Cost £ |
|---|---|
| Single / simple Will | 400 +VAT |
| Mirror Will | 600 +VAT |
| Life interest Will - single | 550 +VAT |
| Life interest Wills - mirror | 800 +VAT |
| Discretionary Trust or Disabled Persons Settlement - single | 800 +VAT |
| Discretionary Trust or Disabled Persons Settlement - mirror | 1100 +VAT |
| Single codicil | 275 +VAT |
| Joint codicil | 350 +VAT |
| Severance of joint tenancy | 250 +VAT |
As part of the preparation of your Will we will meet with you to discuss your estate and testamentary wishes. We will take details of your assets which will allow us to advise you about your Inheritance Tax position. This will also depend upon how you have chosen to leave your estate. Should you require or benefit from additional tax advice, i.e. lifetime planning opportunities, a separate charge will apply based upon the solicitor’s hourly rate.
To learn more about our Will writing services click here.
How much does a Lifetime Trust cost?
Like Wills, there are different types of Trusts, and it is important to choose the best solution for your specific circumstances. Our Wills, Trust and Probate team will advise you on the best Trust to meet your needs.
Our fees (plus 20% VAT) for the most common lifetime Trust documents:
| Type | Cost £ |
|---|---|
| Declaration of trust – simple confirming beneficial interest | 450 +VAT |
| Declaration of trust – complex | Starting from 650 +VAT |
| Lifetime Discretionary Trust – incl advice about taxation and registration if applicable with HMRC’s Trust Registration Service. (TRS) | Starting from 1500 +VAT |
| Lifetime Disabled Persons Trust - incl advice about taxation and registration if applicable at TRS. | Starting from 1500 +VAT |
| Trust administration documentation – change of trusteeship | 450 +VAT |
| Trust administration documentation – Deed of appointment. | 550 +VAT |
Additional advice for tax implications relating to subsidiary Trust documentation, such as execution of a Deed of Appointment, will be charged at the solicitor’s hourly rate.
How much does a Lasting Powers of Attorney cost?
A lasting power of attorney (LPA) means that you will appoint a trusted person or persons to make decisions about, or to assist with your affairs at a time when you are unable. There are two types, one that deals with financial affairs and one that covers health and welfare.
For a tailored quotation for a LPA to meet your specific needs please contact us.
VAT rate 20%
| Number of LPA’s | Price £ |
|---|---|
| 1 – including registration | 550 +VAT |
| 2 – including registration | 750 +VAT |
| 4 – including registration | 1150 +VAT |
- If you have an Enduring Power of Attorney the registration cost is £750 +VAT.
- If you need a General Power of Attorney prices start from £300 +VAT.
Please note the Office of the Public Guardian will charge a fee to register your LPA. It is currently £92.00 per Power.
How much does a Deputyship Order cost?
If you need authority to make important decisions on behalf of another who has already lost capacity, and does not have a Power of Attorney, you will need a Deputyship Order.
The cost to apply for a Deputyship Order on your behalf will start from £1,204 +VAT +Court fees.
Our fixed fee for completing an application for a Deputyship Order is set by Court as per the Court of Protection Practice Direction 19B.
A higher fee than this may apply if the time involved in completing the application (based upon the lawyer’s hourly rate) exceeds the Court’s fixed fee. If this seems likely a quote for the work involved will be given and agreed with you prior to us commencing work and our final fee being assessed by Court upon completion.
How much does Probate cost?
As a firm our probate and estate administration costs are only based upon the time we need to spend to administer the estate as opposed to a percentage value of the estate or combination of time and percentage value. We believe this is a much fairer way to ensure you are not spending more than is necessary. The time required will vary depending on the complexity of the estate. For a no obligation quotation for your specific needs please contact us.
The information below will provide you with a general idea of what you can expect to pay for an uncontested estate administration.
If you are contesting a Will (contentious probate) click here for more information.
VAT rate 20%
| Type | Cost range £ |
|---|---|
| Full Estate Administration Stage 1 - pre-Grant up to Grant. • Ascertaining Estate assets, registering death with 3rd parties, valuing the estate, calculating Inheritance due, drafting, and submitting Inheritance Tax return and probate application to HMRC and The Court. | 3,000 – 5,000 +VAT |
| Full Estate Administration Stage 2 - post-Grant. • Registering Grant with 3rd parties, closing accounts and selling/transferring shares and or investments, settling estate liabilities, dealing with income tax for admin period, drafting and preparing Estate Accounts and ultimately distributing the Estate. | 7,000 – 10,000 +VAT |
| Grant only – • No Inheritance Tax, excepted estate preparation of application and submission to Court. | 1350 +VAT |
| Grant only - Inheritance Tax return is required | From 2750 +VAT |
| Deed of variation | From 450 +VAT |
Typical disbursements:
- Probate application fee – £300 (There’s no fee if the estate is £5,000 or less).
- Copy of the grant – £16 each.
- Bankruptcy search per beneficiary – £3.90.
- Land Registry property title search – £2.90.
- Certainty National Will Register search – £95 +VAT.
- Asset search costs – from £155 +VAT to £185 +VAT.
VAT rate 20%
Choosing the best Will writer, LPA, trusts and probate solicitor
It is important to work with an experienced Wills, trusts and probate solicitor to ensure you receive the best advice and guidance for your estate.
Many of our solicitors are members of STEP and are acknowledged Trust and Estate Practitioners.
Our team are qualified to provide you with advice about inheritance and succession planning, the type of Will or trust that will suit your needs, administering estates and acting as trustees.
To learn more about our Wills, Trusts, LPA and probate experts click here.
How can we help you?
Simply fill out the form below, and we’ll get back to you promptly.
Contact us today
Hitchin
01462 458711
Welwyn Garden City
01707 887 700
Old Harlow
01279 709100
London
0203 327 9001
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