Our work
Administering an estate can be a complicated and lengthy process. At MSB, we have the expertise to guide you through trusts and estates, both if you are the executor of a Will or if your loved one has not left a Will, in order to make an emotional time that little bit easier.
We can assist with issues such as:
- Extraction of Grant of Probate
- Extraction of Grant of Letters of Administration
- Administration of Estates where no inheritance tax is due
- Administration of Estates where inheritance tax is due
- Deeds of Variation
- Setting up of Will Trusts – a trust that has been established in a Will on death
- Acting as Professional Executors in the administration of an estate
- Acting as Professional Trustees in the administration of both Lifetime Trusts and Will Trusts
- Property inheritance
- Dispute of Wills
Arrange a consultation:
Our solicitors provide sector-leading advice to our private clients, helping them to preserve, plan and manage their assets and finances. We build long-lasting relationships based on mutual trust, respect and results. Get in touch with our team of experts to arrange a consultation.
“I am always extremely impressed by the level of commitment all staff members exert, in particular when I have needed to refer a mediation or legal aid matter concerning urgent action. MSB members promptly undertake the necessary action and provide an excellent service.”
Understanding the issue
One of the most frequent questions we are asked is “what is Probate?”. This can mean many things to different people, but in short Probate is a document that allows those appointed via a Will to administer an estate. Letters of Administration are for estates where the deceased did not leave a Will.
If you are appointed as an Executor and/or Trustee, you must ensure that you have not missed any assets or liabilities and that you understand the legalities and regulations when it comes to administering an estate. As an Executor and a Trustee, you are personally liable if an estate has not been administered correctly, or if a beneficiary has been missed. This is one of the reasons why expert advice is essential and at MSB, we can help guide you through the process and ensure you understand what is required.
In a world where family circumstances can be complicated, our expert solicitors will also provide you with advice on your entitlement in an estate, including acting on your behalf if you have not been adequately provided for in such circumstances.
Whatever your situation, you can be assured that our experts will have the experience needed to relieve any pressure, helping you through the process in a smooth and timely manner.
Why MSB?
Our Trusts and Estates team provides sector-leading services and advice, guiding our clients through the best solutions for them. We develop life-long relationships built on mutual trust, respect and results.
We pride ourselves on being friendly and approachable whilst offering the most comprehensive advice. The client experience is at the heart of our Trusts and Estates team.
We have an experienced and ever-growing team and you can be confident that we offer all the resource and know-how required to make things easier, at such a difficult time, for your family.
Funding options
We understand that legal costs can be at the forefront of any decisions that are made and can often be a reason for people to either put off or avoid taking legal advice. When acting as an Executor or Trustee legal costs can be paid from the estate assets.
We offer a fixed fee for the Extraction of both a Grant of Probate and a Grant of Letters of Administration depending on the value and complexity of the estate.
For estates where the executors are able to provide all the necessary values of the estate, there is no Inheritance Tax to pay and a full Inheritance Tax account is not required we will charge a fixed fee of £700 plus VAT for obtaining the Grant of Probate or Grant of Letters of Administration.
For estates where clients are not able to provide all the necessary values of the estate or the full Inheritance Tax account is required but there is no Inheritance Tax to pay we would typically charge £825-£1,250+VAT for obtaining the Grant of Probate or Grant of Letters of Administration. We can confirm a fixed fee following your initial appointment once we have confirmed the value and complexity of the estate.
For complex estates or estates which are required to pay Inheritance Tax we would typically provide an estimate of our fees for obtaining the Grant of Probate or Grant of Letters of Administration based on an hourly rate of £192 + VAT per hour.
Disbursements
Our probate fees do not include any payments that will need to be paid to third parties.
Typical Disbursements include:
- Probate Registry’s fee £155
- Sealed copies £1.50 per copy
- Swear/Affidavit fees £5/7 per executor(if required)
- Creditor’s Notices £150 – £250
- Copies of the Title Register from the Land Registry £3 per property
Valuation fees – vary depending on assets requiring valuation
Deeds of Variation
Executors and Beneficiaries may elect to vary the terms of the Deceased’s Will or succession on intestacy. We charge £595 plus VAT to provide advice regarding the variation of the estate and to draft and arrange the execution of the Deed of Variation.
Administration Costs
The costs relating to the administration of an estate can vary depending on the size and complexity of the estate. Factors such as the number or assets to deal with, bills and expenses to pay, number of beneficiaries and the terms of the Will can all have an effect on the time and costs to administer the estate.
We will provide you with an estimate of our fees at the beginning of the administration which is based on an hourly rate and provide costs updates during the administration of the estate. You can find further details regarding our fees and disbursements for dealing with the administration of the estate on our Fees & Procedures page
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