Price Transparency

At Trustestate, we believe in clear and transparent pricing for our probate services. That's why we charge a fixed fee per case, determined at the outset based on the complexity of the estate. Our fixed-fee approach allows you to plan with confidence, without the uncertainty of hourly rates or hidden costs.

Our Fixed-Fee Structure

The cost of our service depends on factors such as the number of assets, complexity of the estate, and whether there is a valid Will. Before you commit, we will provide a full quote tailored to your specific circumstances.

For example, a straightforward estate where:

The deceased left a valid Will
The estate value is below £325,000 and no inheritance tax forms need to be prepared
There are up to 5 bank accounts
There are up to 5 beneficiaries
There is a single property
No disputes arise

On average, our fee for such an estate will be £800 plus VAT for our Grant of Probate service and £2,500 plus VAT for Complete Probate service.

For more complex estates, such as those with multiple properties, business assets, or inheritance tax considerations, we will assess the case and provide a fixed fee accordingly.

What Might Change Our Fixed Fees?

While we aim to provide a fixed fee at the outset, certain circumstances may require an adjustment to our pricing such as the discovery of additional assets or debts, unexpected disputes or claims, or the discovery of a later valid Will or Codicil than that provided to us by you.

None of the additional work required, nor any revised fees, will be incurred without your agreement beforehand.

What's Included in Our Fee?

The specific tasks we carry out will depend on the level of service you choose (whether that be our Grant of Probate service or our Complete Probate service). These may include some or all of the following:

Determining who is entitled to apply for probate/letters of administration
Contacting relevant institutions to notify them of the bereavement
Preparing and submitting all necessary Inheritance Tax forms to HMRC (if required)
Arranging payment of Inheritance Tax from the estate's assets (if required)
Preparing and submitting the probate/letters of administration application
Liaising with the Probate Registry to ensure the probate/letters of administration application is processed
Receiving or collecting any estate money
Settling estate debts and expenses out of the estate's assets received
Distributing the estate as per the final estate accounts

We will provide more detailed breakdown in your client care letter. If you are unsure what's included, please speak with your case manager.

Disbursements

Some estates may require third-party services, such as property valuations, tax advice, or court fees. These costs will be outlined clearly in our quote, so you have full visibility from the start.

Probate court fee: £300 plus £1.50 per copy (no VAT)
Asset search: £165 - 195 plus VAT (total £198 - £234)
Will search: £50 - 99 plus VAT (total £60 - £118)
Section 27 notices: £100 - 300 plus VAT (total £120 - £360)
Identification checks: £1.25 plus VAT per check
Bankruptcy checks: £2 plus VAT per check

Timescales

The probate process can vary depending on the complexity of the estate and external factors such as Courts processing times and response times of financial and other organisations. However, as a general guide:

Our Grant of Probate service typically takes 3 to 6 months
Our Complete Probate service typically takes 9 to 12 months

The time estimates include the HM Courts & Tribunals Service processing times, which can be 4 to 16 weeks on average.

We will keep you informed throughout the process and provide realistic timeframes based on your specific circumstances.

Our Legal Team

Our team consists of solicitors, probate specialists and legal professionals who have handled a wide range of estates, from straightforward applications to more complex cases involving business and agricultural assets, trusts, and cross-border considerations. We are here to answer your questions and provide clarity at every stage of the process.

Laura Moran

Head of Legal

Laura is a qualified Private Client Solicitor specialising in estate administration, tax, trusts and estate planning.

Adam Sym

Probate Lead

Adam has a wealth of experience in the Private Client sector and specialises in the administration of estates, trusts and inheritance tax matters.