Probate Solicitors Blackpool

The death of a loved one can be a very difficult time.  Here at Cooper Nimmo we have our experienced probate and estate administration Solicitors to provide expert help and assistance in dealing with all aspects of probate / estate administration.   We aim to take away the burden of what can be an over complicated, stressful process for those whom are grieving the loss of a family member or dear friend.

Whether it be dealing with the administration of an estate as a whole or limited to assisting executors when making an application to the Probate Registry we are able to assist you with all aspects arising out of dealing with an estate.

The cost varies dependent upon the work involved, all clients have an initial no obligation meeting to discuss their needs.  Once we are able to make an assessment of your needs we can then explain the cost involved and tailor this to fit your circumstances. A detailed cost estimate will be provided in writing at the outset.

 

Administering an estate

 

Dealing with the administration of an estate can be complicated and stressful, requiring a great deal of time and commitment from the executor at what is likely to be a difficult time.

Depending on the nature, complexity and value of a deceased persons estate will determine the administrative process required to obtain the necessary Grant from the probate registry.

It is very difficult to provide you with an accurate estimate of the costs involved without further information of what we will be required to undertake to help you to bring this matter to a conclusion.

The following is an indication of the likely costs involved in the administration of simple estate being the collection and distribution of money, property and other assets belonging to a person following their death, where these are within the UK and the matters are not contested.

We anticipate this will take between 10 and 30 hours work at £185.00 per hour. Total costs estimated at £1,900 – £5,550 + VAT.

The exact cost will depend on the individual circumstances of the matter. For example, if there is one beneficiary and no property, costs will be at the lower end of the range and on occasion can even be below that stated.  If there are multiple beneficiaries, a properties and multiple bank accounts, investments, stocks and shares, many tax forms to deal with costs will be at the higher end.

We will handle the full process for you. This quote is for estates where:

1.        There is a valid will
2.        There is no more than one property
3.        There are no more than five bank or building society accounts
4.        There are no other intangible assets
5.        There are no more than four beneficiaries
6.        There are no disputes between beneficiaries on division of assets. If disputes arise this is likely to lead to an increase in costs
7.        There is no inheritance tax payable and the executors do not need to submit a full account to HMRC
8.        There are no claims made against the estate

 

Disbursements in addition to this fee:

Probate application fee	£155
Swearing of the oath	£5 – £7 per executor
Bankruptcy search of beneficiary	£2 – per beneficiary
Trustee Act Notice Additional copies of the Grant	£200-£400 dependent on notices chosen. 50p each

 

Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as court fees. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.

 

Potential additional costs

 

Here are some circumstances in which there are likely to be additional costs that could range significantly depending on the estate and how it is to be dealt with. We can give you a more accurate quote once we have more information.

1.      Difficulty ascertaining the financial assets held by the deceased at the date of death and the need to instruct third parties eg Unclaimed Assets Register;
2.      A change of taxation status of the estate during the administration eg, assets emerging that make the estate subject to the payment of inheritance tax when previously it was believed that the estate was non-taxable;
3.      Protracted negotiations with HMRC to agree the amount of Inheritance Tax payable by the estate
4.      Difficulty locating beneficiaries;
5.      Difficulty in obtaining documents to prove available tax reliefs resulting is us having to obtain duplicates eg copies of Grant of Probate of first spouse to die, copies of marriage certificates,
6.      The need for post-death tax planning to mitigate the payment of inheritance tax by the family in the future;
7.      Instructions to prepare a Deed of Variation of the estate;
8.      A trust is created within the Will eg for minor beneficiaries;
9.      A claim is made against the estate or the executor or administrator is put on notice of a possible claim;
10.  An unforeseen complexity arises or where the way in which a client asks us to proceed means additional work

 

How long will this take?

 

In general from the point of receiving instructions to having obtained the Grant of Probate and to be in a position to finalise the estate in accordance with the wishes in the Will can be between 6-12 months.  If matters become protracted due to the estate being complicated this can extend the time period a further 6 months on average.

 

Obtaining a Grant for the deceased’s estate only

 

If you do not wish for us to administer the estate but want us to assist you as an executor to obtain a Grant of Probate we charge a one-off fee of £595 +VAT together with disbursements on a simple estate.  The executor or administrator having themselves obtained full probate information which we use to apply for the Grant on their behalf. The executor or administrator deals with the administration of the estate themselves.

As part of our fixed fee we will:

1.      Provide you with a dedicated and experienced probate solicitor to work on your matter
2.      Identify the legally appointed executors or administrators and beneficiaries
3.      Accurately identify the type of Probate application you will require
4.      Obtain the relevant documents required to make the application
5.      Complete the Probate Application and the relevant HMRC forms
6.      Draft a legal oath for you to swear
7.      Make the application to the Probate Court on your behalf
8.      Obtain the Probate and securely send two copies to you
9.      Collect and distribute all assets in the estate

 

How long will this take?

 

Provided all the information is to hand and minimal work is required to gather what is required for the application, in general the timescale for this is 3-6 months.

 

For carefully considered advice please call Joanne Flynn or John Nimmo on 01253 626793