Expert Probate Services for Seamless Estate Settlement
Navigate probate proceedings with ease. Our experienced probate accountants offer estate valuation, tax compliance, asset management, and transparent financial reporting.
Are you dealing with the complexities of probate and estate settlement?
Our proficient probate team excels in delivering meticulous and personalised accounting services, expertly guiding you through the complexities of probate proceedings.
Our commitment lies in facilitating your effortless manoeuvring through the financial intricacies of estate management.
Since December 2014, the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) attained the status of an approved regulator for probate services. This pivotal development allows authorised Chartered Accountants and members of ICAEW to offer comprehensive probate services.
Our probate services
01
Estate Administration
Skillfully managing the various aspects of an estate’s administration to ensure a smooth and efficient process.
02
Tax Settlement
Expertly handling the necessary tax obligations and settlements related to the estate.
03
Probate Application
Assisting in the meticulous preparation and submission of probate applications for a streamlined legal process.
04
Asset Distribution
Ensuring the equitable and proper distribution of assets to beneficiaries according to legal guidelines.
05
Estate Account Preparation
Thoroughly preparing accurate and comprehensive estate accounts to maintain transparency and compliance.
What our clients say
Book a meeting
Book a free, no-obligation chat with our experts where we find out a bit more about your business, explain our services, and how we could work with you.
FAQs
The timescale for applying for probate varies from one estate to another and depends on the complexity of the estate.
As a general guide, the process can take between six and twelve months to complete. The process can become protracted with delays as a result of collating information and due to HMRC’s timeline of processing applications.
Probate is the legal process that validates a deceased person’s will and grants the authority to administer their estate. It’s typically required when the deceased owned property or assets solely in their name, or if the financial institutions request it.
A probate accountant handles the financial aspects of a deceased person’s estate. This includes valuing assets, calculating taxes, paying debts, distributing assets to beneficiaries, and ensuring compliance with inheritance tax laws.
It’s advisable to involve a probate accountant as soon as possible after the death of the individual. This helps ensure a smooth and accurate handling of financial matters and prevents potential delays in the probate process.
Assets are valued based on their market value as of the date of death. This includes properties, investments, bank accounts, and personal belongings. Professional appraisers might be used for more complex valuations.
A probate accountant calculates any inheritance tax due on the estate. They also advise on available reliefs and exemptions to minimise tax liability while ensuring compliance with tax regulations.
In most cases, it’s recommended to wait for the grant of probate before distributing assets. This helps avoid legal complications, ensures proper valuation, and facilitates accurate distribution among beneficiaries.
An executor is responsible for obtaining the grant of probate, locating and valuing assets, paying any outstanding debts and taxes from the estate, and distributing the remaining assets to beneficiaries according to the will’s instructions.
If someone dies without a will, the estate is distributed according to intestacy laws. A probate accountant can assist in determining the rightful beneficiaries and handling the financial aspects of intestate estates.
If someone dies without a will, the estate is distributed according to intestacy laws. A probate accountant can assist in determining the rightful beneficiaries and handling the financial aspects of intestate estates.
Our probate team
Julian Owens
Hub Managing PartnerProbate, SMEsStonehouse
Emma Newnham
Area Managing PartnerProbateReading
Paul Davies
Area Managing PartnerAudit and Assurance, ProbateSouth East
Peter McMahon
PartnerProbateColindaleMatt Rawles
DirectorProbateStonehousePaul Dell
PartnerAudit and Assurance, ProbateLondonShama Meghjee-Caine
DirectorProbateSouthallDon't navigate the complexities of probate alone
Our team will ensure you receive expert guidance and reliable support throughout the estate settlement process.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a seamless probate experience.
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Probate fees
Fixed fee
For simple cases where no inheritance is payable our charges commence at £1,500 plus disbursements. Disbursements will include the Probate Registry Fee at £300 plus £16 per sealed copy of the grant requested at the same time as the application. The Probate Registry Fee quoted is subject to change in the future.
Our charge out rates for a probate licenced director/partner are £250 per hour. We would expect a simple case to take between 10-15 hours of chargeable time.
For more complicated cases, after a complimentary discussion, we will assess the expected time required to obtain probate. This is based on the complexity of each case. That may be due to complications in the will if available, the number or type of assets and liabilities, or whether we are asked to collect the estate funds into a client account. Typical charges will be from £2,000.
VAT at prevailing rates, currently 20%, will be applied to all charges quoted except to HMCTS filing fees which are exempt from VAT.
Complex cases where no fixed fee is available
Where we are asked to assist on complex cases, we will charge an hourly rate commensurate with the level of experience needed to perform the task. That may be at a reduced rate of £100 per hour for administrative tasks rising to £250 per hour where director/partner is required. At the outset we will always give an indicative fee based on the number of hours we expect to incur and then give regular notifications where costs are being incurred.
We consider a complex case one where inheritance tax is clearly due because it is above all normally available nil rate bands and there are other complicating factors. Our charges are not based on the value of the estate but on the time needed to obtain probate.
A complex case may require us to examine trust documentation, past financial records, correspond with numerous financial institutions, search beneficiary records, obtain and agree with the HMRC valuations of corporate investments, agricultural or commercial premises. All these factors will affect the charges incurred.
If we are to control the funds raised to pay inheritance tax and the beneficiaries, we will include administrative charges based on time spent. We may be appointed to act as the executor of an estate if the appointed executors do not wish to do so. We generally act as professional advisors to executors rather than act as executors to help control fees.
Examples of the matters we will ask to be able to assess the cost of a probate assignment are as follows:
- Is there a surviving spouse or civil partner?
- Is there an authentic will available for inspection
- Who are the named executors?
- Did the deceased grant a power of attorney?
- Was anyone financially supporting the deceased?
- Marital state of the deceased at death?
- How many beneficiaries are there?
- What are the known assets and liabilities?
- Is there any cash
- What bank accounts are there
- Any pension arrangements?
- Any investments
- Any trust assets
- Any offshore assets?
- Were any gifts made within 7 years of death?
- Any properties owned and values?
- Is tax likely to be payable?
- Was there a recent spouse death?
