Probate

Losing a loved one is never easy. At Hastings & Co Solicitors, we provide clear, compassionate support to help you manage the legal and financial responsibilities that follow. We will guide you through every stage of the process, ensuring matters are handled efficiently and with sensitivity.

What is Probate?

Probate is the legal process of dealing with a person’s estate after they have passed away. This includes:

  • Obtaining the Grant of Probate (or Letters of Administration if there is no Will)

  • Collecting and valuing assets

  • Settling debts and taxes

  • Distributing the estate in line with the Will or intestacy rules

How We Can Help

We will:

  • Advise you on whether probate is required

  • Handle all paperwork and applications on your behalf

  • Deal with banks, HMRC, and other organisations

  • Ensure the estate is administered correctly and fairly

Why Choose Us?

  • Clear, transparent pricing with no hidden costs

  • Tailored support to meet your needs

  • Friendly, approachable solicitors with years of experience in probate law

  • Offices based in [Location] with remote services available nationwide

Probate Fees & Costs

We believe in clear, transparent pricing. Below is an outline of our fees for probate and estate administration work, in line with the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s transparency rules.

Applying for the Grant of Probate (where you provide all financial details)

  • Fixed fee: £850 + VAT for straight forward cases where the estate is below the inheritance tax threshold.  £1,250 – £1,500 plus VAT for straight forward cases where we are required to submit a tax return.

  • What’s included: Preparing the probate application and submitting it to the Probate Registry. Filing the inheritance tax return if applicable.

  • What’s not included: Collecting assets, paying debts, or distributing the estate.

  • Timescales: 2-4 months including the time it takes the probate registry to process the application.

Full Estate Administration (where we deal with everything on your behalf)

  • Hourly rate: £250 + VAT.

  • Typical range: Between £3,000 – £6,000 + VAT for an average estate including the sale of one property.

  • What’s included:

    • Obtaining the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration

    • Collecting and valuing assets

    • Paying debts and inheritance tax

    • Distributing the estate in accordance with the Will or intestacy rules

  • Timescales: 6-12 months on average in most straight forward cases.

Disbursements (third-party costs you pay in addition to our fees)

  • Probate Registry fee: £300 (plus £1.50 per extra copy of the Grant)

  • Bankruptcy searches: £2 per beneficiary

  • Swearing of oaths: £5–£7 per affidavit (if required)

  • Valuation fees (e.g. property, shares): variable

Factors That May Affect Costs

Our fees may be higher if:

  • The estate is particularly complex (e.g. overseas assets, multiple properties, or business interests)

  • There is a dispute over the Will or beneficiaries

  • Inheritance Tax forms are lengthy or require detailed calculations

We will always provide you with a clear costs estimate at the outset and keep you updated if circumstances change.

Get in Touch

If you need guidance with probate, contact Liam Hastings on 01621 876 031 or by email at: liam@hastingsandco.co.uk.