At Greenwich Solicitors, we are committed to providing transparent pricing and flexible options to meet the needs of our clients. We offer a range of probate services — from a full estate administration to a “Grant only” service — so you can choose the level of support that’s right for you.
For clients who wish to handle the estate administration themselves but require assistance with the legal formalities of obtaining the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration, we offer a fixed-fee service of £2,100 + VAT.
This service is strictly limited to:
- ⇢ Meeting with the client to gather information
- ⇢ Drafting the HMRC return (where required)
- ⇢ Preparing the probate application papers
- ⇢ Submitting the application to the Probate Registry
Please note: This service does not include dealing with the administration of the estate, collecting or distributing assets, managing tax affairs, or handling any disputes.
For clients who prefer us to handle the entire probate process, we offer a capped fee of 2.25% of the gross estate value + VAT and disbursements.
This service includes:
- ⇢ Obtaining the Grant of Probate
- ⇢ Collecting in all assets
- ⇢ Settling liabilities
- ⇢ Distributing the estate to beneficiaries
- ⇢ Preparing estate accounts
If a registered property is to be sold, conveyancing fees are included within the 2.25% fee.
For complex or high-value estates where a capped fee may not be appropriate, we offer probate services on a time-cost basis:
- ⇢ £200 – £300 per hour + VAT (depending on the seniority of the fee earner)
Conveyancing, if required, is charged separately under this option.
Disbursements
In all cases, disbursements will apply in addition to our fees. Typical disbursements include:
- ⇢ £282 Probate court application fee (includes 6 sealed copies)
- ⇢ £13 Swearing of the oath (per executor)
- ⇢ £6 Bankruptcy search (per beneficiary)
- ⇢ £105.60 Notice in The London Gazette
- ⇢ £40–£80 Notice in a local newspaper
We manage payment of disbursements on your behalf for convenience.
Potential Additional Costs
Additional fees may arise if:
- ⇢ There is no will (intestacy)
- ⇢ The estate contains shares, stocks, or bonds
- ⇢ Additional copies of the Grant are required (£1.50 each)
- ⇢ A Deed of Variation is requested
- ⇢ The estate involves unregistered or leasehold property
- ⇢ There are disputes between beneficiaries or claims against the estate
Timescales
- ⇢ Grant only service: Typically 8–12 weeks (subject to Probate Registry timescales).
- ⇢ Full estate administration: Generally 6–12 months, depending on estate complexity.
Contact us today for a personalised quote on Wills, LPAs, or estate planning.
