Probate
Managing a person’s estate when they pass away can be overwhelming and highly emotional. That’s why our probate legal advice is tailored to your circumstances and delivered by patient, approachable probate solicitors who help you to mitigate unnecessary stress. We’ll talk you through each step as we go, so that the process feels manageable no matter the complexity of an estate.
Your trusted probate law firm
Avoid the stress that probate can bring and work with probate solicitors who understand that the law doesn’t need to lack humanity.
How Can We Help
As an experienced probate law firm, we’ve helped to manage all sizes of estate that vary in their levels of complexity. Our approach is always client-centric and empathetic, treating you like a human being rather than a case number. We assist with:
- Applying for Grants of Probate or Letters of Administration
- Managing the full administration of an estate
- Collecting and distributing assets
- Handling tax returns, liabilities and reporting
- Identifying and valuing property, investments and personal items
- Managing the sale of property within the estate
- Advising on complex estates and disputes
- Identifying beneficiaries and entitlements under the Will
At every stage you’ll receive clear explanations of what’s happening and what’s next, minimising complications and instilling confidence in the wider probate process. We’ll handle the paperwork, so that you can prioritise yours and your family’s emotional wellbeing.
Why choose Aquabridge Law for probate legal advice?
Receive empathetic probate legal advice today
There’s no need to handle probate alone. When you’re ready to get started, fill out our enquiry form, call our office, or email us at enquiries@aquabridgelaw.co.uk.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does probate take?
The probate process can take longer or shorter depending on how complex an estate is. For a ‘basic estate’ which we’d categorise as £325,000 or less, your probate may be handled in 3-6 months. For more complex estates (which can involve overseas assets, agricultural or business assets, large share or property portfolios, domicile matters and trusts), this can increase to 18-36 months. Our probate solicitors will give you an estimate of how long the process could take when you first reach out.
Do you need a solicitor for probate?
While a probate solicitor isn’t legally required, it can be difficult to work out inheritance tax requirements and Trust implications all by yourself. Smaller estates might be easier to handle, but if there are complexities of any form, a probate solicitor will prove invaluable in making your life easier and ensuring that the estate is executed according to your loved ones’ wishes. You ultimately don’t want to pay more tax than is needed, and we’ll help you to understand and claim all applicable tax allowances.
How much does probate cost?
The exact cost of probate will depend on how complex an estate is. Our legal fees start at around £1,250 (+VAT) for a simple estate, with this increasing based on how many variables are involved. Below, you’ll find a complete breakdown of our probate fees, but please get in touch if you have a specific situation that you’d like more information on.
Lorna Bastian, Partner, has overall responsibility for the Wills & Probate Department.
Basic Probate Estate
A basic estate is straightforward, involves minimal paperwork, and has no complications.
- Total Value: Typically under the current Inheritance Tax (IHT) nil-rate band of £325,000.
- Tax Status: No Inheritance Tax is due, and only a simple, short-form tax summary is required.
- Assets involved: A small number of assets, such as 1 or 2 UK bank accounts and no property.
- Beneficiaries: A single beneficiary, or a few clearly identified family members.
- Legal Status: There is a valid, legally sound Will, and no one is contesting it.
- Timeline: Usually takes 3 to 6 months to complete.
Mid-Level Probate Estate
A mid-level estate involves standard family wealth, usually including a home that needs to be sold.
- Total Value: Typically between £325,000 and £2 million.
- Tax Status: May qualify for tax exemptions (like passing everything to a spouse) or require a standard IHT submission, but tax calculations are non-contentious.
- Assets involved: A residential property (the family home), multiple bank accounts, National Savings & Investments (NS&I) products, or basic UK shares.
- Beneficiaries: A moderate number of beneficiaries, potentially including minor children or charities.
- Legal Status: A valid Will exists, but the executors may need professional help to balance asset liquidation and property sales.
- Timeline: Usually takes 12 to 18 months to complete.
Complex Probate Estate
A complex estate features intricate financial structures, international elements, high value, or legal disputes.
- Total Value: Often exceeds £2 million, automatically requiring full, detailed tax accounting.
- Tax Status: Requires a comprehensive IHT400 tax return sent to HMRC, involving complex claims for Business Property Relief (BPR) or Agricultural Property Relief (APR).
- Assets involved: Includes foreign property, offshore bank accounts, commercial land, farms, or private company shareholdings.
- Beneficiaries: A large number of individuals, or trusts that must be set up post-death.
- Legal Status: The deceased died without a Will (intestacy), the original Will is missing, executors cannot be found, or family members are actively contesting the estate in court.
- Timeline: Usually takes 18 to 36 months to fully complete.
What is Excluded from Aquabridge Law’s Estimates?
The firm explicitly excludes several items from their primary probate estimates. If your estate requires any of the following services, they will provide a separate price quote or charge additionally:
- Initial Affairs: Registering the death or arranging the funeral.
- Will Search: Tracing a missing Will or locating missing executors.
- Post-Death Trust Setup: Administering any trusts created by the terms of the Will.
- Deeds of Variation: Preparing variations to alter inheritance distributions (which otherwise cost from £650 + VAT).
- Tax Matters: Handling tax returns for before or after the date of death.
- Spousal Tax Planning: Dealing with retrospective tax planning for a predeceased spouse.
- Estate Litigation: Any disputes or active claims brought against the estate.
- Property Sales: Conveyancing costs for selling the deceased’s home or commercial property.
- Asset Valuations: Third-party expert valuation fees for personal effects or property.
- Dormant Asset Searches: Running unallocated asset register checks for dormant accounts and shareholdings.
- Care Funding Audits: Reviewing retrospective care funding or nursing home fees concerning the deceased.
Mandatory Third-Party Fees (Disbursements)
In addition to the firm’s legal costs, you will still need to pay standard court and administration fees directly to the court or relevant registries:
- Probate Court Fee: A mandatory government charge of £526 if the estate is valued over £5,000.
- Share Indemnities: Missing share certificate indemnity fees if company shares need to be replaced or sold.
