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Executors Grant Only

Rowlinsons offer an Executor Grant Only Service for individuals looking to administer an estate themselves. We can support you through the application process, and provide expert advice regarding Inheritance Tax.

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Executor Grant Only Service Solicitors

As the executor of a will after a loved one has died you are solely responsible for the administration of the estate. Often people use the services of a solicitor to help with this.

However, if you’re already familiar with the probate process, the estate is small, or the assets are simple, you may want to administer the estate yourself.

In these circumstances, if you only need to obtain a Grant of Probate, we offer a Grant Only Service.

 

Applying for a Grant of Probate only

We understand that estate administration is complex and even if you are prepared to do it all by yourself, it helps to have an expert professional legal team on your side.

With Rowlinsons solicitors you get high-quality, award-winning advice. In 2018 we received the Law Society Excellence in Private Practice award and in the same year, we were highly commended in the British Wills & Probate Awards.

Two members of the Estate Administration team are members of STEP - the global professional association for solicitors specialising in family inheritance and succession planning. STEP members are highly trained and considered specialists in this complex area of law.

 

Estate administration after the death of a loved one

When a person dies the named executor of the will is responsible for all aspects of estate administration.  Their duties include:

  • obtaining valuations on assets and bank balances
  • identifying and collecting the deceased person's assets
  • gathering information on the estate’s accounts
  • notifying banks, building societies and any other organisations about the death
  • dealing with property
  • paying off liabilities
  • distributing the inheritance to beneficiaries in accordance with the will

Part of this role may include obtaining a Grant of Probate which is a legal document that confirms the named executor has the authority to deal with the deceased's financial affairs including managing property and accessing bank accounts.

 

What is an Executors Grant Only Service?

Rowlinsons’ Grant Only Service helps executors obtain the Grant of Probate only. The executor provides us with all the financial valuations and any other information needed to assess the gross and net value of the estate. We provide these to the Probate Registry and make the probate application.

 

When is the Executors Grant Only Service right for you?

The Grant-Only Service is appropriate when:

  • the deceased left a valid will.
  • the executor is familiar with the probate process.
  • the estate has a limited number of assets or is low in value. 
  • the estate does not require completion of the full IHT400 Inheritance Tax account and no inheritance tax is payable.

What does an Executors Grant Only Service include?

Our Executor Grant Only Service lets you know that the Grant of Probate application has been completed correctly. We will:

  • verify the correct figures for the deceased’s accounts and savings.
  • complete the relevant HMRC Inheritance Tax document.
  • draft the appropriate Statement of Truth.
  • prepare the Grant of Probate application form.
  • apply to the court for a Grant of Probate.
  • deal with the Probate Registry’s queries should they arise.
  • provide official copies of the grant once it’s successfully obtained to enable you to administer and distribute the estate without further assistance from us.

How long will it take to obtain the Grant of Probate?

Once we have received the documentation from you, we will prepare the inheritance tax documentation and the probate application form. This typically takes 2-3 weeks.

The application will be made through the Probate Registry’s online portal. Thereafter the Grant of Probate should be received within 8 weeks.

More complex or higher-value estates may take longer than smaller or lower-value estates.  Estimated timescales are always subject to third-party turnaround times such as the time it takes the Probate Registry to issue the Grant. This can vary significantly from case to case.  

Are there any risks in administering the estate of a loved one by yourself?

Carrying out the necessary estate administration following the death of a loved one can be a cost-effective option - if you know what you’re doing.

Doing it yourself carries a greater risk because executors are personally liable and accountable to HMRC and the beneficiaries of the will.

Estate administration is a complex and time-consuming process which comes at a distressing time. The extent of work needed to correctly execute proceedings is arduous particularly if the executor has a full-time job. That’s why it may be worth enlisting the help of a qualified probate solicitor.

Can Rowlinsons undertake additional work?

Many executors get help with managing the legal and administrative tasks involved after the death of a loved one.

Our Estate Administration service provides full indemnity for any loss from errors, limiting personal liability and giving you peace of mind.

Even if you’ve already instructed us to carry out the Executor Grant Only Service, our solicitors can undertake any additional work for you and even help with full administration at any time during the process. It’s up to you how much or how little help you receive.

  • Donna Eland
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  • Gemma Kelly
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  • Katie Roberts
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Costs for our Grant Only Service

For simple cases where the estate is lower in value, there are fewer assets, and the estate is not liable for inheritance tax Rowlinsons offers a fixed fee Executor Grant Only Service. The costs incurred for obtaining Probate, including third-party fees, are as detailed below:

Description

Fee

Legal Fees

£1000.00 plus VAT (£1200.00 inc VAT)

Disbursements

These are expenses which are payable to third parties such as the Probate Registry

Probate Application Fee

£273 (no VAT) for estates over £5000.00

Extra copies of the Grant of Probate / Will 

£1.50 per copy

 

Applying for a Grant of Probate only - larger or more complex estates

For larger or more complex estates providing a fixed fee grant-only service may not be possible.

For example, if:

  • the estate is subject to Inheritance Tax or a full inheritance tax account IHT400 is required. 
  • you need our advice on the valuations of the assets which you have obtained.
  • you need us to write to the bank or other financial institutions to obtain or check valuations.
  • there are overseas or business assets.
  • you ask us to help you search for a missing will or carry out additional searches for dormant or missing assets.
  • there is no valid will.

The exact cost of obtaining a Grant of Probate will depend on a variety of factors, including the number, value, and complexity of the assets in the estate and whether you are claiming any Inheritance Tax reliefs.

Our legal costs will be based on an hourly rate and the number of hours it takes to complete the Inheritance Tax Forms.

Our solicitors’ hourly rates range from £190 to £250 per hour plus VAT depending on their seniority and experience.  For complex or larger estates our legal fees could be between £1000 and £2000 plus VAT (£1200 - £2400). The disbursements would remain as above. For a better idea of the potential costs involved get in touch today for a no-obligation call.

 

Contact our solicitors for an Executors Grant Only Service

Rowlinsons Solicitors are a specialist law firm based in Cheshire with expertise in all types of probate matters. We regularly help clients across Cheshire and the North West from our offices in Frodsham and Runcorn (Sutton Weaver), including people in WarringtonWidnesSt HelensChester, and Northwich.

Our team is approachable, friendly and professional. By choosing Rowlinsons, you will have access to the experience and know-how of solicitors with decades of experience in the field.

As a specialist firm of Solicitors in Cheshire, we offer expert legal advice to clients across England and Wales. Contact us today to find out more about our services.

Call us today for an initial no obligation call or click here for a call back. We also have meeting facilities in North Wales for Family Law clients.