The period after a relative or close friend’s death can be a very difficult time for anyone. Probate relates to the period involved in dealing with the deceased’s estate and Chubb Bulleid is able to assist you in making the process as easy as possible.
We have a team that can boast over 50 years’ experience in dealing sensitively with probate matters. We offer a professional executors service and/or a tailored service to meet the needs and requirements of family executors ranging from:
- General advice, assistance and support
- Applications for and obtaining probate
- Dealing with the whole transaction from the funeral arrangements, through collection of assets, payment of liabilities, dealing with tax, obtaining probate and paying out the beneficiaries.
- Advice on post death Deeds of Variation of a Will. These are possible in some circumstances and if made within two years of date of death, they can achieve inheritance tax savings.
What can I expect to pay?
Costs in Probate and Estate Administration vary on a case-by-case basis. Our team will always explain the costs involved in a matter before beginning any work. Our TIMESCALES & FEES
page gives examples of average costs involved with Probate & Estate Administration.
Are there any hidden costs or disbursements?
We will always be upfront with our fees at the start of a transaction. Disbursements are not always known at the outset. For example, you may require a notice posted in the local newspaper, the exact cost of which will not be known at the outset. Our TIMESCALES & FEES page gives examples of common disbursements involved with Probate & Estate Administration.
There may be Inheritance Tax or Capital Gains Tax due on an Estate. We cannot give an estimate of this tax without knowing the particulars of the Estate. The HMRC website also provides additional guidance you may find useful at this stage.
What work is included in those costs?
There is a lot of work involved in Probate & Administration and it would not be possible to list it all here. However, the below list is an indication of the type of work we will complete for you:-
- Preparing and applying for the Grant of Probate
- Ensuring the Will is invalid or, if there is no valid Will, identifying the deceased personal representatives
- Identifying and dealing with all the assets, debts, and liabilities associated with the Estate
- Arranging for the payment of funeral expenses from the Estate
- Ensuring any relevant tax is paid
- Registering any Trusts that may arise as part of the Estate
- Identifying and corresponding with any beneficiaries of the Estate
- Paying any legacies due to beneficiaries
Is there anything excluded?
Our costs include all work that is usually required to obtain a Grant of Probate and/or Administer the Estate. However, it does not cover related work such as selling property or assets contained within the Estate.
Should you require additional legal services (e.g. selling the deceased’s home) these will be charged separately. You can find information about the other legal services we offer and their costs here.
How long will it take?
The length of time it takes to administer an estate can vary depending on its size and complexity. For the average estate, a period of 9-12 months is not unusual. You can find more information about expected timescales on our TIMESCALES & FEES page.
