Trusted Probate and Estate Administration Support

Practical guidance to help manage estates after a loved one’s passing.

Compassionate Guidance When You Need It Most

MW Legal will guide you through Probate and Estate Administration with calm, clear and comprehensive support. We take care of the full process — securing the Grant of Probate, valuing the Estate, dealing with banks and financial institutions, settling debts, handling Property, and ensuring assets are distributed correctly. We manage all HM Revenue and Customs requirements and Inheritance Tax forms, keep Executors fully informed, and remove as much stress and uncertainty as possible. Our role is to make a difficult time easier by providing steady expertise, practical help and a reassuring point of contact from start to finish.

A Comprehensive
Range of Estate Administration Services

Following a death, there are several legal and financial steps that must be completed before an estate can be distributed to beneficiaries. MW Legal provides a comprehensive range of services designed to support families and Executors throughout the entire process. Our probate and estate administration services include:

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Guidance Through Legal Processes

Helping you understand the legal responsibilities of an Executor and the steps involved in administering an estate.

Day-to-Day Estate Management

Managing the administrative tasks required during the estate administration process.

Grant of Representation or Grant of Probate

Preparing and submitting applications to obtain the legal authority required to administer the estate.

Inheritance Tax Advice

Providing clear advice regarding potential inheritance tax obligations and the required filings.

Asset Collection

Identifying and collecting assets held by the estate, including financial accounts, investments, and property.

Liabilities and Legacies

Ensuring outstanding debts are addressed and specific gifts or legacies are distributed correctly.

Distribution to Beneficiaries

Ensuring the remaining estate is distributed to beneficiaries in accordance with the Will or the rules of intestacy.

Probate Fees (Uncontentious)

Transparent and Straightforward Fee Structure

For straightforward, uncontentious probate matters, our fees are structured based on the value of the estate. Our typical fee is:

2% of the value of the Estate (excluding Real Property) plus VAT
Plus 2% of the gross value of any Personal Residence plus VAT

This fee structure applies where the estate meets certain criteria indicating that the probate process is likely to be straightforward.

When the Estate is Straightforward

The above fee structure generally applies where the estate administration meets the following conditions:

There is a valid Will, or the estate is administered under the rules of Intestacy.
There is one property within the estate.
There are no more than 10 bank or building society accounts or life policies not held in trust.
There are no more than 6 shareholdings in the deceased’s name and not held in a nominee arrangement.
There are no intangible assets or intellectual property assets.
There are no more than 10 beneficiaries, and their address details are known.
There are no disputes between beneficiaries. (Any dispute that arises may lead to increased costs.)
No Inheritance Tax is payable, and the Executors do not need to submit a full Inheritance Tax Account to HM Revenue and Customs, or if Inheritance Tax is payable, it can be paid from a separate account before applying for the Grant.
There are no claims against the Estate by creditors or individuals under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependents) Act 1975.

When Estates Are More Complex

Where estates fall outside these criteria, additional work may be required, and costs may vary accordingly.

Additional Costs to Consider

In addition to legal fees, there are certain disbursements involved in the probate process. Disbursements are payments made to third parties on your behalf as part of the estate administration. These may include, but are not limited to:

Probate Application Fee

£300 including VAT.

Bankruptcy Searches
(Per Beneficiary)

£2.40 including VAT.

HM Land Registry Copy Entries (Per Document)

£3.60 including VAT.

Notice in the London Gazette

£90.00 – £120.00 including VAT, used to protect against unexpected claims from unknown creditors.

Local Newspaper Notices

Placed to protect against claims by unknown creditors; pricing varies depending on the publication.

Additional Copies of the Grant

£1.50 including VAT per copy.

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Costs May Vary Depending on the Estate

The disbursements listed above are examples of typical costs, but this list is not exhaustive. Some fees may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the estate. For example, it may be necessary to obtain professional valuations for assets such as property, stocks, or shares. Once we receive all necessary paperwork and documentation, we will confirm the full scope of work, disbursements, and fees so that you have complete clarity before the administration process begins.