Wills & Probate Costs with Taunton Solicitors
How Much Does Probate Cost with a Solicitor?
At Taunton Solicitors, we understand that transparency is important when it comes to wills and probate costs. The cost of probate with a solicitor varies depending on the complexity of the estate, the number of beneficiaries, and the types of assets involved. For straightforward cases, probate costs are typically clear and manageable. For more complicated matters, such as those involving trusts or complex estate planning, our fees will be based on our current hourly rates. We will always provide you with a clear estimate of likely costs before you instruct us.
Why Does a Will Go to Probate?
A will often needs to go through probate to ensure that the deceased’s wishes are carried out legally and efficiently. Probate is the legal process of proving a will is valid and administering the estate. This step is necessary to collect and distribute assets, pay any debts, and transfer property to the rightful beneficiaries. Not all estates require probate, but most do, especially if property or significant assets are involved.
Average Cost of a Will and Trust in the UK
Taunton Solicitors are happy to deal with any enquiries that you have, whether by telephone or email. However, the following guidance sets out our charges for various aspects of our work. Complicated Wills, Trust Deeds and Estate Planning would involve higher fees, based upon our current hourly charging rates. In such cases, you will be provided with an estimate of likely costs at the time that you provide us with instructions. Once instructed please note once the WILL, Codicil or LPA is drafted our cost become payable.
WILLS & LPAs Package Discounts available please ask our Team Telephone: 01823 351122
WILLS
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Single (Basic) |
285.00 plus VAT |
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Mirror (Basic) |
475.00 plus VAT |
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Property Trust Will |
570.00 plus VAT |
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Mirror Property Trust Will
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850.00 plus VAT
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Single Codicil
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£350.00 plus VAT
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Mirror Codicil |
£590.00 plus VAT |
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Travel (within 1 mile of our office) Other areas covered refer (per visit) |
95.00 plus VAT |
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Other Wills – based upon hourly rate (£350 plus VAT) |
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Otherwise case by case basis (hourly rate of £350 plus VAT) |
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LASTING POWERS OF ATTORNEY (LPA)
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1 x LPA |
395.00 plus VAT |
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2 x LPA |
625.00 plus VAT |
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3 x LPA |
1,020.00 plus VAT |
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4 x LPA |
1,250.00 plus VAT |
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Office of Public Guardian Fee (per LPA) |
82.00 |
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ENDURING POWER OF ATTORNEY (EPA)
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Registration with Office of Public Guardian |
750.00 plus VAT |
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Wills & Probate Costs FAQs
Q1: How much does a Will cost at Taunton Solicitors?
A: A single basic Will starts from £285 plus VAT, and a mirror Will (for couples with similar wishes) starts from £475 plus VAT. A Property Trust Will is £570 plus VAT, and a Mirror Property Trust Will is £850 plus VAT. More complex Wills involving trust arrangements or detailed estate planning are priced on an hourly rate basis, and a cost estimate is always provided upfront.
Q2: How much does a Lasting Power of Attorney cost?
A: Taunton Solicitors charge from £395 plus VAT for a single LPA, £625 plus VAT for two LPAs, and £1,020 plus VAT for three LPAs. Each LPA also incurs an Office of the Public Guardian registration fee of £82 per LPA. Package discounts for Wills and LPAs together are available, contact our team for details.
Q3: How much does full estate administration cost?
A: Unlike many probate practitioners, Taunton Solicitors do not charge a percentage of the estate’s value. All fees are based on the time spent at the current hourly rate of the person dealing with your case. For an average-sized estate, costs typically range from £3,500 to £10,000 plus VAT, though costs can exceed this in more complex matters. A clear estimate is always provided at the outset.
Q4: Do Taunton Solicitors charge a percentage of the estate for probate?
A: No. Unlike other probate practitioners, Taunton Solicitors do not apply a “value element”, meaning they do not charge a percentage of the estate’s value when calculating fees. All costs are calculated entirely on the time spent on your matter at the relevant hourly charging rate, and the work is supervised by a partner of the firm without charging at a partner’s rate throughout.
We Do Not Charge a Percentage of Your Estate
- DEPUTYSHIP
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Application – Fixed Fees (unless exceptional circumstances) |
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950.00 plus VAT |
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500.00 plus VAT |
ESTATE ADMINISTRATION
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£300 |
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| 1 – GRANT ONLY |
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| – An Expected Estate |
From 1,450.00 plus VAT |
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| – IHT 400 |
From 2,200.00 plus VAT |
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| 2 – ENTIRE ESTATE (average size estate) |
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From 3,500 plus VAT |
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From 4,500 plus VAT |
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3 – ENTIRE ESTATE Unlike other probate practitioners, Taunton Solicitors do not charge a “value element” when calculating fees (a percentage of the value of the estate). Our charges are based entirely upon the time spent on your case, at the current hourly rate of the person undertaking the work. All estates are supervised by a partner of the firm, but you will not be charged at a partners rate, as may happen at other firms. You will only pay for the work done. Typically costs will range from £4,500.00 to £10,000.00, plus VAT and disbursements. Although the above costs are what we would expect for typical costs, it wouldn’t be be unusual for costs to exceed £10,000.00 in certain circumstances. Please call our offices for a more more information .
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PROPERTY
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Deed of Variation |
750.00 to 1,250.00 plus VAT |
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Assent/Transfer (plus registration fee, TBA) |
From 550.00 plus VAT |
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Severance of Joint Tenancy
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From £350.00 plus VAT |