Wills, Trusts & Probate

Two thirds of the UK population do not have a will. Their assets are divided under the intestacy rules, and may not reach the destinations wished, with The Crown benefitting in cases where there are no surviving relatives and partners and step-families missing out entirely.

Our specialist Wills department offers a fixed fee for straightforward wills and a tailored solution to fit your personal circumstances. Whether you wish to benefit charities, curb inheritance tax or simply make your wishes known, we can ensure that your hard earned savings reach the right people.

However large or small, simple or complicated an Estate may be, Jeromes are able to offer advice and expertise in all aspects of Will drafting, Trusts, Tax Law, and Probate matters.

Probate costs

We appreciate applying for a Grant of Probate or dealing with the full administration of a loved one’s estate can be very daunting and overwhelming and we are here to help you at what can be a very challenging time.  Our aim is to guide you through the process step by step and take the pressure off you. We are happy to answer any questions you may have and our team will deal with the matter in a professional and sensitive manner.

When it comes to probate we are pleased to offer two main services which are; dealing with the full administration of an estate and applying for a Grant of Probate only.

Dealing with the full administration of an estate

This service includes but is not limited to the following:-

• Obtaining details of the assets, income and liabilities of the estate and requesting valuations
• Completing the necessary forms which will be required in order to apply for Probate
• Making the application for Probate on your behalf
• Ensuring Trustee Act Notices are placed in the relevant papers (if required)
• Cashing in the assets of the estate and making sure all liabilities are paid
• Liaising with the beneficiaries on your behalf
• Preparing Estate Accounts
• Paying any taxes the estate is liable for i.e. income tax and capital gains tax
• Making sure the estate is distributed in accordance with the terms of the Will

We anticipate our fees will be between 1-5% of the estate but it very much depends on the value of the estate and the amount of work involved.

Our charge out rate is a blended rate of £225 + vat per hour .

Please also be aware that the administration of the estate will incur disbursements such as a probate application fee of £273.00 (plus an extra £1.50 for each additional sealed copy of the grant required), a Trustee Act Notice Fee of approximately £228.00 and bankruptcy search fees against each beneficiary in the sum of £2.00 per person.

Applying for a Grant of Probate only

This service includes but is not limited to the following:-

• Completing the necessary forms which will be required in order to apply for Probate
• Making the application for Probate on your behalf
• Providing you with the Grant once received so you can finalise the administration of the estate

Our fees for providing this service will be between £1,000 – £1,500 plus vat where there is not any Inheritance Tax due on the Estate.

More complex Estates will range from £1,500 – £3,500 plus vat.

If you feel the estate you are dealing with will be subject to Inheritance Tax and requires the preparation of a full HMRC account then we would kindly ask you to telephone us and we can discuss these costs with you.

The disbursements incurred in respect of this service will be £273.00 for the probate application fee (plus an extra £1.50 for each additional sealed copy of the grant required)

During the course of the matter something out of the ordinary may arise or the matter may be more complex than first anticipated. If this is the case and it looks likely additional fees will be incurred then we will advise you of these.