
We offer a FREE initial consultation
Private client work usually involves matters that are not disputed. Grant Stephens Family Law strongly believe that it is important to plan for the future and take all steps to try to ensure that matters are dealt with as easy as possible when either a loved one dies or loses the mental capacity to make decisions for themselves. We offer the following services within our Private client department:-
- Wills
- Probate and estate administration
- Lasting Power of Attorney documents
- Deputy Orders
Probate fees and services

If we are instructed in relation to the administration of an estate, our services can include the following:-
- Collecting information to ascertain the value of assets within the estate
- Advising on inheritance tax payable on the estate
- Drafting the necessary tax return to HMRC, which is required regardless of whether there is any tax to pay
- Preparing the application for the Probate Registry
- Collecting in all the assets held within the estate from the various asset holders or transferring them to the relevant beneficiaries
- Drafting the final estate accounts for the executor / personal representative
- Arranging the distribution of the estate to the beneficiaries. Our costs for acting in an estate matter will be charged on an hourly fee basis. The solicitor undertaking this work will be one of our Partners Eleri Jones who has been undertaking probate work since 2013, and her hourly fee is £200 plus VAT. The time it takes to obtain a Grant of Probate and administer an estate will depend on various factors including the size of the estate and the amount of work required to be done.
On average the cost of administration is as follows:-
an estate valued under £150,000 will have charges of £1,500 plus VAT
An estate valued between £150,000 and £300,000 will have charges of £3,000 plus VAT
An estate valued between £300,000 and £600,000 will have charges of £6,500 plus VAT
An estate valued between £600,000 and £800,000 will have charges of £10,000 plus VAT
The above costs are average costs, however we will endeavour to provide a more detailed quote once we obtain detailed instructions in relation to your specific estate.
The average cost will increase if claims are made against the estate or if there is a dispute between the beneficiaries, or if a deed of variation is needed to vary the terms of the Will.
There will be disbursements incurred in any administration matter and are not included in the above-mentioned costs. The disbursements usually incurred in an estate matter are as follows, and do not attract VAT
Probate registry fee – £155
Copies of the Grant of Probate - £1.50 per copy
Oath swearing fee – £7 per executor
Bankruptcy search fee – £2.00 per name
Statutory advertisements – £216.00
The timescale to administer an estate will vary with each matter depending on the value, the number of assets to be dealt with and the number of beneficiaries. On average an estate with a value of less than £150,000 takes 10 – 12 weeks to conclude whereas an estate with a larger value takes an approximate 5 – 6 months. The key stages of the probate process include the collating of the information relating to the assets and liabilities of the estate at the date of death, the completion of the tax return, the completion of the Oath, the obtaining of the Grant of Probate / letters of administration (depending on whether there is a valid Will at the time of death), the collation of assets and the distribution of the estate.

Do you need help with Wills & Probate
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Our promise to you
1
You come first
We are human too. We know that everyone is different, so all of the advice we provide is client led. We consider how you want to approach your case, and we will work with you to provide you with the best possible resolution.
3
We see the bigger picture
Our expertise is in empowering our clients to make the right decisions for their future. We will not rest until we have secured the best outcome for you and your family.
2
A problem solving approach
If your case can be resolved without going to court, we will do everything in our power to ensure you don’t have to. As an alternative solution, we will utilise the mediation and/or the collaborative process to try and help you resolve any issues within your family.
4
Clear communication
We talk to you in a language you understand, so you will always know what’s going on. We will provide you with professional advice that is based on our unrivaled understanding of family law and years of experience in family law disputes.

I can not praise Grant Stephens Family Law enough. When you find yourself in need of a solicitor its usually because you’re in a difficult or unfortunate position, and from my very first phone call to make an appointment I felt completely at ease.
Our promise to you
1
You come first
We are human too. We know that everyone is different, so all of the advice we provide is client led. We consider how you want to approach your case, and we will work with you to provide you with the best possible resolution.
2
A problem solving approach
If your case can be resolved without going to court, we will do everything in our power to ensure you don’t have to. As an alternative solution, we will utilise the mediation and/or the collaborative process to try and help you resolve any issues within your family.
3
We see the bigger picture
Our expertise is in empowering our clients to make the right decisions for their future. We will not rest until we have secured the best outcome for you and your family.
4
Clear communication
We talk to you in a language you understand, so you will always know what’s going on. We will provide you with professional advice that is based on our unrivaled understanding of family law and years of experience in family law disputes.

I can not praise Grant Stephens Family Law enough. When you find yourself in need of a solicitor its usually because you’re in a difficult or unfortunate position, and from my very first phone call to make an appointment I felt completely at ease.