Wallace Robinson & Morgan Limited – Pricing Information

Our pricing for administering an estate (uncontested probate)

During challenging times, our dedicated team of qualified Solicitors specialising in wills and probate are here to guide you through the estate administration process. With a commitment to professionalism, thoroughness, and a friendly approach, we strive to make this journey as smooth and cost-efficient as possible for you and your family.

Our charges for dealing with the administration of an estate are calculated based on the amount of time spent at the hourly rate of the fee earner(s) working on the matter. All the fee earners in the team are qualified Solicitors, who are supported by trainee solicitors and paralegals. This is reflected in our hourly rates, which are reviewed annually, but currently fall within the following ranges:

Note: Prices are correct from 23 October , 2023. VAT will be charged on our fees at the prevailing rate which is currently 20%.

Find details of Our team of Probate Solicitors

The estate administration will be dealt with by a fee earner at a level appropriate to the size and complexity of the estate, but subject to the overall supervision of the Director in charge of the department.

The exact cost will depend on the individual circumstances of the matter. It is always difficult to predict the costs accurately at the outset, due to the many variable factors in the progress of the administration of an estate. Once we have some initial information regarding the estate and can assess the extent of the work involved, we will be able to provide you with an estimate of our fees for dealing with your matter.

However, based on past experience, the guide below shows the likely range of fees which you can expect. We will handle the full process for you.  This includes:

• Initial meeting to discuss the process, depending on whether there is a valid Will or not, and to obtain from you any information or papers you may have relating to the estate. 
• Arranging to obtain date of death valuations for the assets and gathering the other information required for the application; for a Grant of Representation (this will be either a Grant of Probate (where there is a Will) or a Grant of Letters of Administration (where there is no Will). 
• Preparing the relevant application papers including the applicable H M Revenue & Customs forms (depending on the nature of the estate and whether or not Inheritance Tax is payable) and, once signed, submitting these to H M Revenue & Customs and the Probate Court as appropriate. 
• Advising on the options and arranging payment of any Inheritance Tax which may be due; Inheritance Tax. 
• Collecting in or transferring the estate assets once the Grant of Representation has been issued and settling liabilities of the estate. 
• Payment of any legacies in the Will. 
• Dealing with enquiries raised by HM Revenue & Customs, if any. 
• Preparation of full Estate Accounts and completion and submission of Tax Returns for the estate reporting income and capital gains, as applicable. 
• Distributing the residue of the estate in accordance with the terms of the Will (or Intestacy rules, where there is no Will).

Typical fee ranges:

Generally, at the lower end of each range will be estates with smaller numbers of assets, assets of a more straightforward or typical nature and a small number of beneficiaries.  At the higher end of the range will be estates with multiple beneficiaries, more than one property, numerous shareholdings, more complex assets such as private company shares or agricultural property or if there have been numerous lifetime gifts which need to be considered for Inheritance Tax purposes.

The examples above are for estates where:

• There are no disputes between beneficiaries on the division of assets. If disputes arise this is likely to lead to an increase in costs
• There are no claims made against the estate
• There are no assets outside the United Kingdom

In addition to our fees, there will be disbursements including:

• Probate application fee of £155 plus 50p for each additional copy of the Grant (usually one copy per asset required). Note that there are currently proposals for an increase in the probate court fees from next April to be based on the value of the estate Probate Court Fee Increases. 
• £7 Swearing of the oath (per executor) (due to be replaced with a statement of truth).
• Bankruptcy-only Land Charges Department searches (£2 per beneficiary).
• Approximately £200 to £300 – Notice in The London Gazette and a local newspaper to protect against unexpected claims from unknown creditors.

Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as court fees. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.

In most cases, our fees and disbursements are payable from the estate.

Potential additional costs:

• If there is no will (referred to as an Intestacy)
• Dealing with the sale or transfer of any property in the estate is not included. A separate quote can be provided by our conveyancing department (see sale of Freehold/Leasehold details below)
• If there are foreign assets requiring the UK Grant to be re-sealed in another country or a separate Grant needs to be applied for in another country. Further guidance will be given if this applies and we can also instruct and liaise with lawyers in the relevant country on your behalf and obtain a fee quote from them.
• If the deceased was a beneficiary of any trusts and further action is required in relation to that trust interest;
• Implementation or ongoing advice in relation to any trusts set up by the Will
• Probate valuation fees are charged by external companies where there are properties or personal items such as jewellery or antiques to be professionally valued.

How long will it take?

On average, the administration of an estate can be dealt with within 12 months, although this may be longer for estates with complex assets, where the beneficiaries are in dispute or there are one or more properties to be sold.

Typically, obtaining the Grant of Representation takes approximately 8 weeks from when we receive all necessary information required for the application papers.

Once the Grant has been issued, the liquid assets of the estate can be collected in, on average taking between 4 to 6 weeks.  If there is one or more property to be sold, this can take considerably longer.  Payment of legacies and interim distributions can be made to beneficiaries of the residue of the estate from the proceeds of any liquid assets, whilst waiting for any property to sell.

Once all assets have been dealt with, and all liabilities of the estate settled (and clearance has been obtained from H M Revenue & Customs if the estate is taxable),   we will then prepare Estate Accounts and distribute the remaining estate amongst the beneficiaries in accordance with the Will or intestacy rules.

Please note that these are illustrative timescales only and we will keep you updated as your matter progresses.

Our pricing for a business-to-business debt that is undisputed (a range of fixed fees)

Our team has over 30 years of collective experience in delivering high-quality work in all matters relating to Civil and Commercial Litigation.

We have two members of the team who may work on your matter. Regardless of who works on your matter, they will be supervised by Paul Kalaher.

Here you can find details of our Dispute Resolution Team.

Court Claims

These costs apply where your claim is in relation to an unpaid invoice which is not disputed and enforcement action is not needed. If the other party disputes your claim at any point, we will discuss any further work required and provide you with revised advice about costs if necessary, which could be on a fixed fee (e.g. if a one-off letter is required), or an hourly rate if more extensive work is needed.

Anyone wishing to proceed with a claim should note that:

• The VAT element of our fee cannot be reclaimed from your debtor.
• Interest and compensation may take the debt into a higher banding, with a higher cost.
• The costs quoted above are not for matters where enforcement action, such as the bailiff, is needed to collect your debt.

Our fee includes:

• Taking your instructions and reviewing the documentation
• Undertaking appropriate searches
• Sending a letter before action
• Receiving payment and sending onto you, or if the debt is not paid, drafting and issuing claim
• Where no Acknowledgment of Service or Defence is received, applying to the court to enter Judgement in default
• When Judgement in default is received, writing to the other side to request payment
• If payment is not received within X days, providing you with advice on next steps and likely costs

Matters usually take 6 – 12 weeks from receipt of instructions from you to receipt of payment from the other side, depending on whether or not it is necessary to issue a claim. This is on the basis that the other side pays promptly on receipt of Judgement in default. If enforcement action is needed, the matter will take longer to resolve.

Our pricing for bringing and defending claims for unfair or wrongful dismissal

Our team has over 30 years of collective experience in delivering high-quality work in all matters relating to Employment issues for both employers and employees.

We have two members of the team who may work on your matter. Regardless of who works on your matter, they will be supervised by Paul Kalaher.

Here you can find details of Our Employment Law Team.

Simple case: £6,000-£8,500 (excluding VAT)

Medium complexity case: £12,000-£15,000 (excluding VAT)

High complexity case: £20,000+ (excluding VAT)

Factors that could make a case more complex:

• If it is necessary to make or defend applications to amend claims or to provide further information about an existing claim
• Defending claims that are brought by litigants in person
• Making or defending a costs application
• Complex preliminary issues such as whether the claimant is disabled (if this is not agreed upon by the parties)
• The number of witnesses and documents
• If it is an automatic unfair dismissal claim e.g. if you are dismissed after whistle-blowing
• Allegations of discrimination which are linked to the dismissal

There will be an additional charge for attending a Tribunal Hearing of £1,500 to £2,500 per day (excluding VAT). Generally, we would allow 1-3 days depending on the complexity of your case.

Disbursements

Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as court fees. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.

Counsel’s fees are estimated between £1,500 and £4,000 plus VAT per day, depending on the experience of the advocate, for attending a Tribunal Hearing (including preparation).

Key stages

The fees set out above cover all of the work in relation to the following key stages of a claim:

• Taking your initial instructions, reviewing the papers and advising you on merits and likely compensation (this is likely to be revisited throughout the matter and subject to change)
• Entering into pre-claim conciliation where this is mandatory to explore whether a settlement can be reached;
• Preparing the claim or response
• Reviewing and advising on the claim or the response from other party
• Exploring settlement and negotiating settlement throughout the process
• Preparing or considering a schedule of loss
• Preparing for (and attending) a Case Management Preliminary Hearing
• Exchanging documents with the other party and agreeing a bundle of documents
• Taking witness statements, drafting statements and agreeing their content with witnesses
• Preparing the bundle of documents for disclosure
• Reviewing and advising on the other party’s witness statements
• Agreeing on a list of issues, a chronology and/or cast list
• Preparation and attendance at Final Hearing, including instructions to Counsel

The stages set out above are an indication and if some of stages above are not required, the fee will be reduced. You may wish to handle the claim yourself and only have our advice in relation to some of the stages. This can also be arranged on your individual needs.

How long will my matter take?

The time that it takes from taking your initial instructions to the final resolution of your matter depends largely on the stage at which your case is resolved. If a settlement is reached during pre-claim conciliation, your case is likely to take 10-12 weeks. If your claim proceeds to a Final Hearing, your case is likely to take 9 to 12 months. This is just an estimate and we will of course be able to give you a more accurate timescale once we have more information and as the matter progresses.

Our pricing for the sale of a Freehold Residential Property

Our fees cover all of the work required to complete the sale of your property, including liaising with any Estate Agents and the Solicitors for your buyer.

Here you can find Details of our conveyancers.

The precise stages involved in the sale of a residential property vary according to the circumstances. However, typically we will be carrying out the following on your behalf:-

• Taking instructions.
• Checking your identity and the source of funds.
• Sending you forms to complete to assist us in preparing the contract.
• Drafting the contract documentation.
• If you pay a maintenance charge on your development, then we may need to obtain an information pack from the Managing Agents.
• Dealing with any enquiries raised by the buyer’s Solicitors.
• Advising you and liaising with you concerning the documentation.
• Exchanging contracts.
• Liaising with any lender to obtain a final redemption figure.
• Completing the sale.
• Paying any outstanding maintenance charge.
• Redeeming the mortgage.

The costs and disbursements that you incur will vary, depending upon a number of factors, including the price, whether or not there is a mortgage to redeem, or whether the property is situated, whether the property is a new-build or whether it is listed. These examples are not exhaustive.

The cost charged by the Land Registry to provide copies of the deeds depends upon how many documents are referred to. Typically, we would expect the Land Registry search fees to be in the region of £9 but may be higher. The Land Registry usually charge £3 per additional document.

Any monies transferred electronically by us on your behalf are subject to a money transfer administration fee of £25 plus VAT per transfer. This fee includes both the charge made by our bank and a Wallace Robinson & Morgan administration fee.

If the property you are selling is has a maintenance charge, there will be a fee payable to the Managing Agents to obtain their information pack. The charge varies between Agents, but is often in the region of £300 plus VAT. When you confirm who the Managing Agents are, we will liaise with them to obtain details of their exact fee.

Our costs do vary, but are likely to be in the region of £750 plus VAT – £4,000 plus VAT. If you contact us with details of your specific transaction, we will be able to provide an exact figure.

How long your transaction will take will depend on a number of factors, such as whether there are other parties in the chain. Typically, a sale takes approximately 12 weeks, but can be quicker or slower. 

Our pricing for the sale of a Leasehold Residential Property

Our fees cover all of the work required to complete the sale of your property, including liaising with any Estate Agents and Solicitors for your buyer.

Here you can find Details of our Conveyancers.

The precise stages involved in the sale of a residential property vary according to the circumstances. However, typically we will be carrying out the following on your behalf:

• Taking instructions.
• Checking your identity and the source of funds.
• Sending you forms to complete to assist us in preparing the contract.
• Drafting the contract documentation.
• Liaising with the Managing Agents to obtain their information pack.
• Dealing with any enquiries raised by the buyer’s Solicitors.
• Advising you and liaising with you concerning the documentation.
• Exchanging contracts.
• Liaising with any lender to obtain a final redemption figure.
• Completing the sale.
• Dealing with any service charge and ground rent arrears that need to be paid.
• Redeeming the mortgage.

The costs and disbursements that you incur will vary, depending upon a number of factors, including the price, whether or not there is a mortgage to redeem, whether the property is situated, whether the property is a new-build, or whether it is listed. These examples are not exhaustive.

The cost charged by the Land Registry to provide copies of the deeds depends upon how many documents are referred to. Typically, we would expect the Land Registry search fees to be in the region of £15 but may be higher. The Land Registry usually charge £3 per additional document.

Any monies transferred electronically by us on your behalf are subject to a money transfer administration fee of £25 plus VAT per transfer. This fee includes both the charge made by our bank and a Wallace Robinson & Morgan administration fee.

As the property you are selling is leasehold, there will be a fee payable to the Managing Agents to obtain their information pack. The charge varies between agents, but is often in the region of £300 plus VAT. When you confirm who the Managing Agents are, we will liaise with them to obtain details of their exact fee.

Our costs do vary, but are likely to be in the region of £1000 plus VAT – £4,000 plus VAT. If you contact us with details of your specific transaction, we will be able to provide an exact figure.

How long your transaction will take will depend on a number of factors, such as whether there are other parties in the chain. Typically, a sale takes approximately 12 weeks, but can be quicker or slower.

Our pricing for the purchase of a Freehold Residential Property

Our fees cover all of the work required to complete the purchase of your new property, including dealing with registration at the Land Registry and dealing with the payment of Stamp Duty Land Tax, if the property is in England, or Land Transaction Tax if the property is in Wales.

Here you can find Details of our Conveyancers.

The precise stages involved in the purchase of a residential property vary according to the circumstances. However, typically we will be carrying out the following on your behalf:-

• Taking instructions.
• Checking your identity and the source of funds.
• Receiving and considering contract documentation.
• Carrying out any necessary searches.
• Raising any appropriate enquiries and considering the replies.
• Considering any mortgage offer.
• Advising you and liaising with you to sign the relevant paperwork.
• Exchanging contracts.
• Liaising with you to obtain any additional funds.
• Liaising with any lender to obtain the mortgage advance.
• Completing the purchase.
• Dealing with the payment of Stamp Duty / Land Transaction Tax.
• Dealing with the registration at the Land Registry.

The costs and disbursements that you incur will vary, depending upon a number of factors, including the price, whether or not you have a mortgage, where the property is situated, whether the property is a new-build, or whether it is listed. These examples are not exhaustive.

Search fees vary depending on the type of property and where it is located. The search fees are likely to be in the region of £330 plus VAT. If you contact us with specific details of a property, we can let you have a precise figure.

Any monies transferred electronically by us on your behalf are subject to a money transfer administration fee of £25 plus VAT per transfer. This fee includes both the charge made by our bank and a Wallace Robinson & Morgan administration fee.

The Land Registry charge a fee based on the value of the property and whether or not the property has its own Land Registry title number. For more information, please click the attached link to the Land Registry website.

Land Registry Fee Scale

If you contact us with specific details of your transaction, we will be able to confirm the figure payable.

Stamp Duty and Land Transaction Tax vary according to your circumstances and the purchase price. For more information, please click the attached links.

• Stamp Duty Land Tax Calculator for properties in England.
• Land Transaction Tax Calculator for properties in Wales.

If you contact us with specific details of your transaction, we will be able to confirm the figure payable.

Some properties require third-party consent before a person can be registered as a new owner. In those circumstances, an administration fee is usually payable in the region of £300. If the property you are buying is subject to such a charge, then that information will be provided by the seller’s Solicitors and we will advise you of any such costs once we are made aware of them.

Our costs do vary, as stated above, but are likely to be in the region of £750 plus VAT – £4,000 plus VAT. If you contact us with details of your specific transaction, we will be able to provide an exact figure.

How long your transaction will take will depend on a number of factors, such as whether there are other parties in the chain. Typically, a purchase takes approximately 12 weeks, but can be quicker or slower.

Our pricing for the purchase of a Leasehold Residential Property

Our fees cover all of the work required to complete the purchase of your new property, including dealing with registration at the Land Registry and dealing with the payment of Stamp Duty Land Tax, if the property is in England, or Land Transaction Tax if the property is in Wales.

Here you can find Details of our Conveyancers.

The precise stages involved in the purchase of a residential property vary according to the circumstances. However, typically we will be carrying out the following on your behalf:-

• Taking instructions.
• Checking your identity and the source of funds.
• Receiving and considering contract documentation.
• Carrying out any necessary searches.
• Raising any appropriate enquiries and considering the replies.
• Considering any mortgage offer.
• Advising you and liaising with you to sign the relevant paperwork.
• Exchanging contracts.
• Liaising with you to obtain any additional funds.
• Liaising with any lender to obtain the mortgage advance.
• Completing the purchase.
• Registering you as the new owner with the Managing Agents.
• Dealing with the payment of Stamp Duty / Land Transaction Tax.
• Dealing with the registration at the Land Registry.

The costs and disbursements that you incur will vary, depending upon a number of factors, including the price, whether or not you have a mortgage, where the property is situated, whether the property is a new-build, or whether it is listed. These examples are not exhaustive.

Search fees vary depending on the type of property and where it is located. The search fees are likely to be in the region of £330 plus VAT. If you contact us with specific details of a property, we can let you have a precise figure.

Any monies transferred electronically by us on your behalf are subject to a money transfer administration fee of £25 plus VAT per transfer. This fee includes both the charge made by our bank and a Wallace Robinson & Morgan administration fee.

The Land Registry charge a fee based on the value of the property and whether or not the property has its own Land Registry title number. For more information, please click the attached link to the Land Registry website.

Land Registry Fee Scale

If you contact us with specific details of your transaction, we will be able to confirm the figure payable.

Stamp Duty and Land Transaction Tax vary according to your circumstances and the purchase price. For more information, please click the attached links.

Stamp Duty Land Tax Calculator for properties in England.

Land Transaction Tax Calculator for properties in Wales.

If you contact us with specific details of your transaction, we will be able to confirm the figure payable.

As the property you are buying is Leasehold, there will be various fees payable to the Landlord’s Managing Agents. These vary from lease to lease, but can include a notice of transfer fee, a notice of charge fee, a deed of covenant fee and a certificate of compliance fee. The seller’s Solicitors will obtain information from the Managing Agents about any anticipated costs and we shall let you have details of these once we are notified of them.

Our costs do vary, as stated above, but are likely to be in the region of £1000 plus VAT – £4,000 plus VAT. If you contact us with details of your specific transaction, we will be able to provide an exact figure.

How long your transaction will take will depend on a number of factors, such as whether there are other parties in the chain. Typically, a purchase takes approximately 12 weeks, but can be quicker or slower.

Our pricing for the re-mortgage of Residential or Leasehold Property

 Our fees cover all of the work required to complete the purchase of your new property, including dealing with registration at the Land Registry.

Here you can find the Details of our Conveyancers.

The precise stages involved in the re-mortgage of a residential property vary according to the circumstances. However, typically we will be carrying out the following on your behalf:

• Taking instructions.
• Checking your identity and the source of funds.
• Carrying out any necessary searches.
• Considering any mortgage offer.
• Advising you and liaising with you to sign the relevant paperwork.
• Liaising with you to obtain any additional funds.
• Liaising with any lender to obtain the mortgage advance.
• Completing the re-mortgage.
• Dealing with the registration at the Land Registry.

The costs and disbursements that you incur will vary, depending upon a number of factors, including the amount you are borrowing, the price or where it is situated. These examples are not exhaustive.

Search fees vary depending on the type of property and where it is located. The search fees are likely to be in the region of £330 plus VAT. If you contact us with specific details of a property, we can let you have a precise figure.

Any monies transferred electronically by us on your behalf are subject to a money transfer administration fee of £25 plus VAT per transfer. This fee includes both the charge made by our bank and a Wallace Robinson & Morgan administration fee.

The Land Registry charge a fee based on the amount being borrowed and whether or not the property has its own Land Registry title number. For more information, please click the attached link to the Land Registry website.

Land Registry Fee Scale

If you contact us with specific details of your transaction, we will be able to confirm the figure payable.

Our costs do vary, but are likely to be in the region of £500 – £1000 plus VAT.

How long your transaction will take will depend on a number of factors, such as how quickly the mortgage offer is received and how long the searches take. Typically, a re-mortgage takes 4 weeks from when we receive the mortgage offer.