Experienced Probate and Administration Solicitors
The death of a loved one is always deeply upsetting. A difficult time can be made all the more stressful if you are facing the daunting task of administering their estate and associated tax issues.
Dealing with the deceased’s property and other assets is often overwhelming, particularly if they have died intestate (without a valid Will in place).
Depending on your relationship with the person who has passed away and the value of their estate, you may also need to apply for probate, otherwise known as “a grant of representation”.
This gives you the legal right to access the individual’s bank accounts to handle any unpaid debts or to collect the estate’s assets. It is also important when it comes to distributing the estate among any beneficiaries named in the Will.
To make an appointment to discuss any aspect of Private Client Law please email or phone 020 8349 0321.
Guiding you through
Probate and Administration of Estates
Guiding you through
Probate and Administration of Estates
Key Stages
We set out below the typical stages for assisting you with a UK probate application.
Stage 1: Applying for a grant of representation
- locating (or assisting you to locate) and reviewing any will(s) and codicils. Considering validity of will(s) and codicils;
- ensuring that insurers have been notified of death, checking cover and ensuring the personal representatives are noted on the deceased’s insurance policies;
- ascertaining the domicile position of the deceased;
- ascertaining whether deceased made any lifetime gifts relevant for Inheritance Tax (IHT) purposes;
- gathering information on the deceased’s assets and liabilities at the date of death, including obtaining valuations where necessary;
- considering the deceased’s lifetime income tax position, liaising with relevant accountant to ensure that tax return is prepared to the date of death;
- preparing the IHT account, submitting the same to HMRC and arranging for IHT to be paid; and
- drafting the documentation to apply for the grant of representation and submitting this to the Probate Registry.
Stage 2: Administering the estate
- collecting assets and settling liabilities;
- arranging for distribution of assets as appropriate;
- paying legacies in accordance with Will;
- arranging for adverts for creditors to be placed;
- preparing estate accounts or liaising with accountant to do same;
- responding to any queries raised by HMRC in relation to the IHT account and obtaining IHT clearance;
- preparing tax returns to the date of death and for the period of administration; and
- distributing the residuary estate.
Our Legal Team
Need Advice?
At OGR Stock Denton we can advise on the technicalities of probate and the administration of estates, taking over the burden of all the associated paperwork and liaising with the relevant organisations on your behalf and dealing with Inheritance Tax. This will give you peace of mind that all the relevant rules are being followed and reduce the burden on your shoulders during a difficult time.
We charge an hourly rate of between £220 and £385 plus VAT, which will depend on the level of experience of the solicitor dealing with your matter. The higher rate is usually for the partner supervising the matter, whereas the general day to day work on the matter would be carried out by associates and other less experienced members of the team (therefore the hourly rate varies accordingly). Our probate team is headed up and supervised by Richard Denton.
We do not charge a percentage of estate value, which the Law Society rules entitle us to do. As a general guide, depending on the complexity and time taken for the probate to be granted, the total fees could equate to approximately 1-3% of the estate plus VAT.
Please note that this does not include disbursements payable by you, such as probate application fees of £155 plus an additional fee of £1.50 per copy, Land Registry fees and other third party fees where relevant.
Land Registry search fees are usually in the range of between £400-£800 plus VAT and depends on the value of the property. For more information please see the land registry fee scale here.
For further information on any of the services we provide, please contact our solicitors today.
[Please note all VAT is charged at the prevailing rate of 20%]
Testimonials
Read more reviews and testimonials here
“Great service for our wills and POA.”
“I dealt with Jamie, and found him a very helpful and pleasant person to work with. He had much patience for our complications and queries, and was always happy to explain everything step by step in a very clear way. I gave him a rough ride, but he made it smooth for me.I would highly recommend to others!”
“We have used the services of OGR Stock Denton over recent years, for production of Wills, probate and house sale/conveyancing. On all counts, the service provided has been efficient and professional, and the staff approachable and supportive. Will continue to use OGR Stock Denton for future work as needed.”
“ All round brilliant team at OGR. After being badly let down by another solicitor, Priti Shah sorted our parents’ probates quickly and efficiently. She is very knowledgeable and on the ball and structured things in such a way she saved us lots of money. We also had conveyancing done by Ben Menaham which was smooth and hassle free and overseen by Michael Stock. Thank you.”
“A big thank you to Priti Shah & Nicola Levy of handling my father’s estate with patience, sensitivity & professionalism. It’s complex works especially dealing with assets from overseas but they have managed it very well. It’s a pleasure to be a client of them & I will continue to recommended them.”
“I just wanted to drop you a line to say how great Tim has been from the time he joined the probate up until today.”
“Me and my family where introduced to OGR Stock Denton regarding a number of matters that we needed to resolve. Not only was there a lot of money at stake but this was a dispute that involved family so a lot of emotion too. There was nothing the firm couldn’t do, we loved the fact they had an expert for every area we needed to deal with and they are very good at leveraging their colleagues experience and expertise. With regards to Ian Pearl who was our main point of contact, he was thorough, patient and always one step ahead. He was very good at making things manageable and would keep you informed every step of the way. I don’t think it is unfair to say that without Ian our current position as a family could be very different! We are extremely grateful and cannot thank OGR Stock Denton and Ian for their exceptional work and persistence throughout!”
“Dealt with Richard Denton. Extremely professional and pragmatic. A real pleasure.”
“Our advisors very highly recommend OGR Stock Denton. They’re not the cheapest in the market but they’re expertise is second to none and they’re one of the best legal firms our advisors have had the pleasure in working with.”
“A big thank you to Priti Shah & Nicola Levy of handling my god father’s estate with patience, sensitivity & professionalism. It’s complex works especially dealing with assets from overseas but they have managed it so well. It’s a pleasure to be a client of them & I will continue to recommended them.”
What Our Clients Say
“I called you with a difficult situation and within 30 minutes you had addressed the main issue and very clinically identified what needed to be done. Your attention to detail and your work approach are of such a high standard that i have no doubt whatsoever that any client you deal with will only have good things to say. You are a true ambassador to your firm and your profession, with the care you show and advice you give. I would like to thank you again for the wonderful job you did at such short notice and i have no hesitation in using your services again and recommending your firm.” – Meir
“I would like to say a huge thank you to Winston Kan of OGR Stock Denton LLP for the outstanding work he did on my car accident case. He supported me and my family through the long and exhausting process. There were times when I was ready to give up but he patiently and supportively guided me all the way. All the best wishes from me and my family.” – Hana
“ We completed our home move in June, beating the Stamp Duty deadline by 4 days, and were extremely satisfied with the way the whole selling and buying process was handled by Robert Rosenberg. He was super efficient and communicated with us constantly throughout the process. We highly recommend him. and OHR Stock Denton, to anyone looking for a painless and stress-free experience. ” – Colin
“I owe you a great debt of gratitude for the kind, helpful, empathic way you dealt with me and went about your business at a time in my life when I was suffering huge emotional pain. I did not really understand what was happening to me but you did, and your advice was invaluable”. – Stephen Wiser
“Winston Kan & Michael Stock of OGR Stock Denton LLP have been a great support throughout the process and Winston has demonstrated the highest levels of professionalism and genuine care throughout this difficult process. I highly recommend these lawyers, they are very attentive and honourable.” – Aziza
“A big thank you to Susan Bernstein for her help and support during my redundancy process, you made the legal part stress free and easy to follow. I fully trust your work and will recommend your services in the future.” – Meital
“All round brilliant team at OGR. After being badly let down by another solicitor, Priti Shah sorted our parents’ probates quickly and efficiently. She is very knowledgeable and on the ball and structured things in such a way she saved us lots of money. We also had conveyancing done by Ben Menaham which was smooth and hassle free and overseen by Michael Stock. Thank you.” – Monica
“I must thank you Ian, and Stephen, for your professionalism though the complex and protracted negotiations and for the support, understanding and patience you have shown me personally throughout.” – Malcolm