Wills, Powers of Attorney and Probate Fees

Pricing Information for Wills, Powers of Attorney and Probate

Please see details of pricing and disbursements below. VAT is calculated at the rate applicable at the time the work is carried out, this is currently 20%.  Pricing information is correct as of March 2023 and will be reviewed and updated every six months.

Wills

Codicils

Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA)

The following fees include preparation and registration of the LPAs at the Office of the Public Guardian.  In each case, additional registration fees are payable to the Office of the Public Guardian

Registration of Enduring Power of Attorney        

£280 per Registration

Probate

Each case is unique and we'll advise you in our initial consultation what level of support is required. When we are instructed to assist, we can offer the following services:

• Obtaining initial instructions, reviewing papers and providing advice at the outset
• Preparing legal documents and grant applications to obtain a Grant of Probate or Grant of Letters of Administration
• Carry out the estate administration as a whole (contacting third parties, collecting in assets, paying any estate liabilities and distributing the estate as per the deceased's Will or as per the rules of intestacy if no Will is available)

How much does it cost?

Based on your individual circumstances we'll advise you on the best option for you. Call us today for one of our specialist solicitors to provide you with an estimate.

Our fees for the administration of an estate range between 1.5% to 2% of the gross value of the estate. This may vary depending on the estate itself. You would be informed of any increase to our estimated fees prior to us carrying out any further work.

For a very straightforward grant application with no inheritance tax payable, we offer a fixed fee of £1,500 plus VAT and disbursements. However, if the application involves more complex issues, an uplift on our fee will be charged. This will be agreed with you in advance.

VAT is charged at 20%.

Hourly rates

Our hourly rate is £280 plus VAT.

Disbursements

In addition, there will be fees payable to third parties, e.g.

• Probate application fee of £273 payable to H M Courts & Tribunals Service
• £1.50 for each copy of the Grant
• Fee to place a statutory notice in the London Gazette and a local newspaper to protect against claims from unknown creditors – approximately £250
• Bankruptcy searches – Typically £2 each

How long does it take to administer an estate?

Each estate is individual and can differ in the time it takes to finalise administration.  This largely depends on the complexities of the estate itself.

The administration of an estate which is not liable to inheritance tax with no property to sell can usually be administered within 12-18 months.  The process does, however, involve liaising with outside agencies such as HM Revenue & Customs and other institutions whose timescales are outside our control. 

An estate which is subject to inheritance tax will take longer to administer, because information will need to be submitted to and agreed with HM Revenue & Customs.  For example, a relatively simple estate which is liable to inheritance tax with one property to sell is likely to take 18-24 months to administer.

Can I pay legal fees from the estate?

Yes, if you are the administrator or executor you can opt for legal representation and the professional fees are paid from the estate.

Our Team

Katie Mantin

Solicitor/Notary Public

Katie is the founder of Mantins and manages all areas of the business.  She is a highly experienced solicitor and acts for a broad range of clients including corporate investors and lenders, as well as private individuals and trusts.

In addition to her work as a solicitor, Katie is a Notary Public, appointed by the Archbishop of Canterbury, which position enables her to authenticate documents for use in other countries worldwide.

Katherine Hopkins

Solicitor

Katherine joined the firm in 2010, qualifying as a solicitor in 2013.  She has a wealth of experience in all residential and commercial property matters and is also a full member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).

Jessica Smith

Legal Advisor

Jessica is a Legal Advisor specialising in residential conveyancing.  She joined Mantins in 2013 and is a member of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives.  Jessica has extensive experience in all aspects of residential conveyancing including freehold and leasehold transactions, re-mortgages and transfers of equity.

Tracey Cooper

Legal Assistant

Tracey joined the firm in 2011, having previously worked at another local law firm.  Her knowledge and experience in a wide range of residential conveyancing matters is invaluable to the Property Team at Mantins.

Tracy Gardner

Legal Assistant

Tracy came to Mantins in 2021 with a background in management and bookkeeping.  She now works in our Private Client department and provides essential support to fee earners for all matters relating to Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney and the Administration of Estates.

Caroline Everett

Legal Assistant

Caroline provides excellent administrative support to all departments.  She also has a wealth of experience in client care and customer services, gained over many years of work within financial services, charities and the legal profession.

Katie Flodin

Front of House

Prior to joining Mantins, Katie has experienced a full and varied career working in many different embassies in numerous countries over a 25-year period.  She now provides a genuinely warm welcome to each and every client, whilst keeping the office efficient and organised.