Pricing

Fees

As part of the Solicitors Regulation Authority transparency pricing rules, we are required to provide you with certain information regarding some of the areas of work that we carry out, namely an uncontested probate matters. This document therefore provides information concerning:

1. The typical steps involved in an uncontested probate matter.
2. Our typical fee scale and disbursements for uncontested probate matters.
3. Examples of potential additional fees.
4. Details of the typical timeframe for uncontested probate matter.
5. Details of our team

1. Steps involved in an uncontested probate matter

Client engagement

Before we start work on your matter, we must formally engage with you and carry out identification checks. This will include:

1. Sending you our engagement letter and receiving a signed copy from you.
2. Receiving identification documents from you (as set out in our engagement letter) and carrying out electronic searches to confirm your identity.
3. Carrying out Anti-Money Laundering checks.

Due diligence

Identify the legally appointed Executors and the beneficiaries of the estate.

Prior to the grant of probate

1. Obtain valuations of all assets and liabilities of the estate, including liaising with all necessary third parties.
2. Prepare estate accounts in order to value the estate.
3. Identify the type of HMRC return that is necessary and complete the return.
4. Obtain the relevant documents required to make the Probate application.
5. Draft the statutory declaration for the Executors to swear to support the Probate application.
6. Make the application to the Probate court.
7. Keep the client up to date with progress.

After the grant of probate has been issued

1. Arrange for posting in the Gazette and local newspaper.
2. Collect in assets.
3. Settle any debts, funeral expenses etc and also settle any outstanding tax.
4. Finalise estate accounts and obtain approval from Executors.
5. Carry out bankruptcy searches on all beneficiaries.
6. Distribute assets in the estate.

2. Typical fee scale and disbursements

Your fee will reflect the work involved in your transaction and is based on a typical transaction, as outlined above. However, no two transactions are the same and therefore there may be additional documents and requirements of your specific transaction. We have set out in the Potential Additional Fees section situations that may arise which would require us to charge you additional fees. We will of course notify you of any additional costs and disbursements before they are incurred.

Please note that if for any reason we are unable to proceed or you choose to close your matter after you have instructed us, you will still be charged for any work (including additional work) that we have carried out.

Probate

We charge for probate matters based on the time it takes us to deal with the administration of the deceased’s estate and such time typically ranges between 15 and 40 hours’ work, depending on the complexity of the estate. We charge for this time based on the hourly rates set out below.

Other fees and disbursements

In addition to our fees, you may also have to pay other administration fees and disbursements in connection with your transaction for an administration of an estate. Examples of these are listed below.

Please note that the amount of some disbursements are calculated by reference to the purchase price of the property.

3. Potential additional fees

If your transaction includes any of the matters listed below, or involves unexpected complications, this may incur additional fees. We will always inform you in advance of any additional fees involved in your transaction. Examples of where additional fees may apply are:

Probate

• Circumstances where there is no valid Will
• The estate consists of more than one property and/or assets such as shareholdings (investments, stocks and bonds)
• Cross Border issues in respect of assets
• The estate includes a Trust
• There is a dispute regarding the estate
• The beneficiaries wish to vary the estate
• If the deceased was non domiciled in the UK
• There are disputes between the beneficiaries on the division of assets
• Inheritance tax is payable and there are not enough liquid assets available
• There are claims made against the estate

4. Typical timeframe

Probate

For probate matters, the time that it takes to administer an estate will depend on the complexity and number of assets. Typically, this can range between 4 to 12 months.

5. The Team

At Z group, your transaction will be handled by a team of people whose experience and hourly charge out rates are set out below. The team members who are responsible for managing your transaction and their hourly charge out rates will be confirmed in your engagement letter.