Services
Probate and Estate Administration
Services
When a loved one passes away, the management of their estate can be a complex and emotional process. At Apex Estate Planners, we are here to guide you through every step, ensuring that your loved one’s wishes are honoured with utmost respect and legal precision.
Probate Fees:
The cost of probate services varies for each estate, depending on its complexity and the work required. We charge based on the time spent on each case. You can choose to pay an hourly rate of £200 or opt for a fixed fee for most estates. This way, you only pay for the services you need.
Fixed Fees for Grant:
This service involves us helping you obtain the grant of representation, which allows you to manage the deceased’s assets and distribute the estate. For simple cases where no Inheritance Tax (IHT) 400 return is required, our charges start at £1,000 plus disbursements. Disbursements include the charges from the HMCTS, usually around £273, plus a charge of £1.50 for each copy of the probate grant.
Estates where IHT 400 is needed and no IHT is payable:
For estates where an IHT 400 return is needed but no IHT is payable, our charges will be between £1,600 to £2,000.
Estate where IHT is payable:
For complex estates where inheritance tax is payable, our charges range from £2,250 to £3,000 to handle the inheritance tax and probate application.
Complex cases where no fixed fee is available
For complex cases, we charge an hourly rate of £200. We will provide a quote at the beginning based on the estimated number of hours required and give regular updates on costs.
A complex case is one where inheritance tax is due because it exceeds all normally available nil rate bands and there are other complicating factors. Our charges are based on the time needed to obtain probate, not the value of the estate.
Complex cases may require us to examine trust documentation, past financial records, correspond with numerous financial institutions, search beneficiary records, and obtain and agree with the HMRC valuations of corporate investments, agricultural or commercial premises. All these factors will affect the charges incurred.
Estate Administration
We can also assist with the administration of the estate. The costs of doing so will depend on the complexity of the estate in question. This is likely to be an additional cost, which we will agree on a time-cost basis or on a fixed-fee arrangement.
Fully Regulated and Licensed Team of Probate Specialists: Apex Estate Planners are licensed by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales to carry out the reserved legal activity of non-contentious probate in England and Wales. You can view details of our probate accreditation at icaew.com/probate under reference number C006620590. The accredited probate firm name is Apex Estate Planners Ltd. The probate regulations can be found at icaew.com/regulations.
Get in touch with us today.
Complaints Procedure
Diversity
We aim to provide the highest quality of service, which is always both efficient and effective. If at any time you would like to discuss with us how our service to you could be improved, or if you are concerned with the service you are receiving, please let us know by telephoning Hasan Ghaffoor on 02084160986 or email [email protected].
We will consider any complaint or comments you make about our service carefully and do all we can to explain the position to you. We will acknowledge your letter within five business days of receipt and endeavour to deal with your complaint within eight weeks. We undertake to do everything reasonable to resolve any problems. If you are still not satisfied with our response, you may, of course, take the matter up with our professional body, The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England, and Wales (ICAEW). Further information can be found at www.icaew.com/complaints and the Legal Ombudsman. Complaints to the Legal Ombudsman should be made within six years of the act or omission, or within three years of you becoming aware of the issue, and in either case, within six months of our written response to your complaint to us. The Legal Ombudsman can be contacted via Post: Legal Ombudsman, PO Box 6806, Wolverhampton WV1 9WJ; Email:
Telephone: 0300 555 0333.
- Accredited probate firm name: Apex Estate Planners Ltd
- Number of offices carrying out probate work – 1
- Number of principals – 1
- Number of authorized individuals (employees) – 0
- Number of affiliate principals – 1
