Fees information

In order to give clients an indication of potential costs in various matters, we have set out some guidelines below. These give an indication of potential costs in various types of case. However, it should be noted that the actual costs incurred on each matter will be fact and issue sensitive. We are happy to have a free initial consultation to discuss your particular requirements and can then provide you with a tailored estimate of likely fees and costs.

Conveyancing

To give you an idea of potential costs associated with a Sale or Purchase, our fees will be between £895 + VAT (1,074) and £3,300 + VAT (£3,960) but we will provide you with a tailored quote upon request.

In addition to the above fees, there will be a number of searches required which will depend on the location and type of property being purchased. These searches will usually cost in the region of £300-£400. We will discuss the search requirements with you when preparing a tailored quotation.

Occasionally there are other issues that can arise which require additional work to be done. If this is the case we will advise you of this immediately. To view what these fees could be please click here.

Stamp Duty varies depending on the value of the property and the status of the purchasers. Information regarding Stamp Duty calculations can be found on the Government website here: Stamp Duty Calculator. We will provide you with details of any Stamp Duty payable when you request a tailored quote from us.

The time taken to complete a sale or purchase transaction will depend on a number of factors including the number of properties in the sale and purchase chain, any specific issues or requirements for additional reports, the funding arrangements and the other professionals acting in the chain of transactions. For a straightforward cash purchase with no chain, completion could take place within 8 weeks. For more complex transactions in a lengthy chain of property transactions, completion could take up to 9- 12 weeks.

Your transaction will be undertaken by one of our experienced Conveyancers:

Mark Stockton (over 40 years' experience in Residential and Commercial Conveyancing) - £260 + VAT per hour*

Tony Lynch (over 40 years' experience in Residential Conveyancing) – £210 + VAT per hour*

Alison Bates (over 30 years' experience in Residential Conveyancing) – £210 + VAT per hour*

Elaine Cox (over 40 years' experience in Residential and Commercial Conveyancing) - £210 + VAT per hour*

Sam Keefe - £175 + VAT per hour*

Support Staff – £130 + VAT per hour*

*Work will be undertaken on an agreed fixed-fee basis. Hourly rates will only be charged in exceptional circumstances for complex matters where a fixed fee cannot be provided.

Wills

It is vitally important to deal with your assets during your lifetime to ensure that they are dealt with as you wish them to be. Having a properly drafted Will can also ensure your assets are distributed in the most tax efficient way possible. Whilst no two people’s assets are alike, the majority of Wills will be charged as below:

Amendments to existing Will - £75 - £150 + VAT

Single Simple Will – from £250 + VAT

Mirror simple Wills- from £350 + VAT

Single Will with tax planning – from £300 – 600 + VAT

Mirror Wills with tax planning – From £600 + VAT

Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA)

We can advise you on whether LPAs are the right choice for you and whether you need one or both. If you already have an unregistered LPA we can register this for you. Our charges are as follows:

Single person, one LPA - £500 + VAT, exclusive of registration fees

Single person, both LPAs - £600 + VAT, exclusive of registration fees

Couple - one LPA each - £600 + VAT, exclusive of registration fees

Couple - two LPAs each - £700 + VAT, exclusive of registration fees

LPA registration only - £300 + VAT, exclusive of registration fees

EPA registration only - £450 + VAT, exclusive of registration fees

Probate

Grant only

Obtaining the Grant of Probate (IHT205 tax return) - £1,000 - £1,500 + VAT

Obtaining the Grant of Probate (IHT400 tax return) - from £1,500 + VAT (to be assessed on complexity of estate)

Full administration

The exact cost will depend on a number of circumstances such as the value of the estate, the number of bank accounts/investments and the number of beneficiaries. We tailor each quotation to your individual needs and circumstances.

Obtaining the Grant of Probate - £1,000 + VAT - administration then charged on an hourly basis, e.g. simple estate where an IHT205 tax return is made, total fees of £2,000 - £4,000 + VAT

Medium-sized estate where an IHT400 tax return is made - £3,000 - £5,000 + VAT

Complex estate (Inheritance Tax payable, high value assets, multiple investments, trust aspects) - £5,000 - £10,000 + VAT

Deed of Variation - £800 - £1,000 + VAT

What does the cost include:

• Initial consultation with one of our Solicitors;
• Gathering information from banks/investments, etc.;
• Drafting all paperwork to apply for the Grant of Probate;
• Drafting all paperwork for HMRC;
• Applying for the Grant of Probate;
• Dealing with any tax issues;
• Collecting in the assets;
• Transfer of property;
• Discharging the liabilities of the estate;
• Identifying the beneficiaries of the estate;
• Drafting Estate Accounts;
• Distributing the estate in accordance with the Will.

Your transaction will be undertaken by one of our experienced solicitors:

Graham Pearce - £260 + VAT per hour

Rachel Ison - £225 + VAT per hour

Disbursements:

Probate fee - £273.00

Copies of Grant - £1.50 per copy

Office Copies of Title - £4.20 per copy

Bankruptcy searches - £3.20 per copy

Valuation fees for assets - TBC if necessary

Land Registry fees (AS1) - TBC, determined on the value of the property

Please note that dealing with the sale of any residential property in the estate is not included in our Probate fees. An additional quotation will be provided by our conveyancing department.

Certifying documents (cash only)

Lasting Power of Attorney - £35 per document/copy

Enduring Power of Attorney - £15 per document/copy

Will - £10 per document/copy

Witnessing a signature - £10 per signature

Copy identification, e.g., passport, driving licence - £10 per document/copy

ID1 form - £25 per form

Statutory Declaration - £10 per document plus £2 per exhibit

Please note that we do not currently offer a notary public service.