Barry & Co Solicitors

The administration of an estate would be dealt with primarily by Jonathan Barry, with the assistance of Susan Barry, and a dedicated Probate assistant.

Jonathan Barry qualified as a Solicitor in 1979 and established Barry & Co. in 1983. Susan Barry has worked at Barry & Co. for over 39 years and has for the last 33 years been Probate Manager, dealing with all aspects of Estate Administration.

Our probate fees are charged on an hourly basis of £285.00 plus VAT.

The number of hours involved in dealing with an estate can vary considerably depending upon the number of assets and liabilities in the estate. However, following an initial consultation (without obligation), we are usually able to give an idea of the number of hours involved in the administration of the estate, which will depend upon:

Whether there is a valid Will
The number of assets in the estate
Whether there are any shareholdings
The number of legacies to be paid
How many beneficiaries there are
Whether there is likely to be a claim on the estate
Whether we can apply for the transfer of the IHT Nil Rate Band from a spouse
Whether we can apply for the Residence Nil Rate Band
Whether the deceased is a Beneficiary from another estate
Whether there are minor beneficiaries
Whether the Will creates a Trust
Whether the estate is an excepted estate, or whether a full IHT 400 will need to be submitted to HMRC
Whether there is any Inheritance Tax Liability

If we are instructed to act on behalf of the Executors in connection with the administration of any Estate, then our fees would include obtaining all the relevant details of the assets and liabilities of the estate, preparing the probate papers for swearing by the Executors, applying for probate and arranging to settle any IHT Liability on behalf of the estate.

Once the Grant is to hand, we will thereafter collect in the assets of the Estate, prepare full Estate Accounts and attend to the distribution of the Estate in accordance with the terms of the Will.

Typically our charges would be as follows:

An Estate with a value of up to £50,000 would cost in the region of £1,000 to £1,500 plus VAT

Please note that estates of this size do not always require probate but other action may be needed, for example registration of the death, making funeral arrangements, payment of final utilities or bills

£50,001 – £200,000 £1,500 to £2,000 plus VAT

£200,001 – £325,000 £2,000 to £2,500 plus VAT

£325,001 – £500,000 £2,500 to £5,500 plus VAT

£500,001 – £1,000,000 £5,500 to £9,000 plus VAT

£1,000,001 – £2,000,000 £10,000 to £19,500 plus VAT

Over £2,000,000 £19,500 minimum plus VAT

However, please telephone as charges can vary depending on the number and type of assets held.

All professional costs are subject to VAT which is currently 20%.

In addition to our fees there may be disbursements to be paid, for example:

Probate Fee of £307.50 (No VAT) which is payable to HMRC on the application for the Grant includes 5 Office Copies of the Grant
Bankruptcy Searches against beneficiaries (£2.00 per beneficiary) (No VAT)
Publication of Notices in the Local Paper and London Gazette in respect of any creditors of the estate. These Notices can cost in the region of £350.00 to £450.00 and are subject to VAT.

If we have been appointed as Executor by the Testator, we may also charge a value element, to reflect the additional responsibility placed upon the firm. This fee will have previously been agreed with the Testator at the time of appointment as Executor.

We will advise at the outset of the administration of any Estate the basis upon which the charges will be calculated.

Depending upon the number of assets held, and the sale of any real property which may be included in the Estate, the administration of an estate can take anywhere from 6 months, but the usual timescale (on the basis that there is no claim against the estate) is between 6 and 12 months.

Probate Services

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