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Probate Services in Edgware

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Our key areas of service

01

Grant of Probate

02

Estate Valuation

03

Estate Administration

04

Probate Registration

What does our probate service provide?

The American politician, Benjamin Franklin, once said that only two things in life are certain: death and taxes. Although this concept is still true today, financially, we are often inadequately prepared for either certainty.


Coping with the loss of a loved one provokes a variety of emotional responses and reactions. Equally, the practicalities surrounding mortality also involves considerable paperwork and legal jargon. As people, our compassion recognises the mix of emotions that your bereavement entails. As professionals, we remove your additional burden surrounding probate and estate administration. Building upon the Price Mann’s reputation for trust, expertise and ethical practice, Price Mann Probate Services provides both new and existing clients with integral probate solutions.


Price Mann Probate Services Ltd are authorised and regulated by CILEx Regulation as a CILEx-ACCA Probate Entity (3001294) to undertake non-contentious probate work. This firm will carry out the application for the grant of probate or letters of administration. Shaileen Shah is a CILEX Practitioner (ACCA-Probate) and will be attending to the Probate work on behalf of Price Mann Probate Services Limited.

All other aspects of administration of the estate, including the holding of any client money, will be carried out by Shaileen Shah CTA FCCA through Price Mann Limited, Chartered Certified Accountants. Both firms are related by having Shaileen Shah, who is regulated by the ACCA, as the main shareholder and director of both firms.


We have Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII) which covers all work that we provide. This insurance ensures that you do not lose out financially in the unlikely event that the firm makes a mistake.


For details of our complaints’ procedures please click here.

How we help

Working on your behalf, our commitment and focus ensure that you receive the very best in professional, personalised and dedicated advice. Exactly when you need it. The benefits of using Price Mann Probate Services include:


  • Maximising the money available to beneficiaries
  • Maintaining the lowest possible estate administration costs
  • Minimal tax on your loved one’s estate
  • Fast, streamlined, stress-free process


Probate can be a lengthy, overwhelming and fraught process. Price Mann Probate Services make it as straightforward and as cost-effective as possible.


Although each probate case is different, to help you to understand the obligations involved, we have outlined four key probate stages below:

 

1. Obtaining a Grant of Probate

This stage is often a stressful and confusing period as it immediately follows your loved one’s death. Obtaining a Grant of Probate includes establishing if your loved one left a will and ascertaining the executors or the roles of administering the estate. Although at this stage the overall picture of the estate may not yet be clear, relevant information needs to be gathered in order to prepare the inheritance tax account and executor’s oath. It is during this stage that important decisions will have to be made. Price Mann Probate Services prove invaluable when it comes to guidance and advice on obtaining a Grant of Probate.

 

2. After Probate is Granted

This is an active stage where the Grant of Probate is registered with asset holders, debts are paid and assets may be collected or sold. It may also involve handling queries from HMRC regarding the value of the estate. If the estate assets are sufficient, the executors will authorise payment of legacies and if possible, a payment on account—interim distribution—is made to each of the beneficiaries. During this stage, one or more of the beneficiaries may consider altering the will, or effecting intestacy rules, by means of a Deed of Variation. After probate is granted, Price Mann Probate Services work in your best interests, reassuringly overseeing every detail on your behalf. 

 

3. Review

This may be the most protracted stage of administration. Typically, there may be lengthy negotiations with HMRC concerning the valuation of assets in the estate or the calculation of inheritance tax. If the beneficiaries have decided to enter into a Deed of Variation, it will be prepared during this stage. Price Mann Probate Services will handle the entire review stage for you, protecting your loved one’s legacy in the most tax-efficient way and completing all necessary paperwork.

 

4. Accounting and Final Distribution

At this stage, the value of all assets and debts have been settled with HMRC. Inheritance tax has been paid and an application for a Clearance Certificate has been made. Accounts can then be drawn up to show the money received and paid by the executors—and the funds due to beneficiaries. Price Mann Probate Services will then issue final payments on your behalf and finalise all matters to complete the administration.


Grant of Probate Estate Valuation Estate Administration
Preparing the grant of representation and applying to the probate registry ✓ ✓ ✓
Receiving the grant of probate ✓ ✓ ✓
Reviewing paperwork including death certificate and will ✓ ✓
Calculating inheritance tax owed ✓ ✓
Calculating gross and net values of the estate ✓ ✓
Paying debts and liabilities of the estate ✓
Paying legacies to beneficiaries ✓
Distributing the residual estate ✓
Disbursements paid to third parties, to include;
- Notices in Gazette and local papers ✓ ✓
- Copies of the grant of probate (fixed fee provides one additional copy only) ✓ ✓ ✓
- Probate application fee ✓ ✓ ✓


Pricing

Where we are required to just obtain the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration and do no other work (assuming you provide us with all the information that we require, and we are only required to complete the paperwork) then our fees are :

  • Where no inheritance tax is payable our fees are likely to be £2,495 plus disbursements.
  • Where inheritance tax is payable and a calculation of the tax owed, the values of the value of the gross and net assets, our fees are likely to be £3,995 plus disbursements.

 

Where we are required to fully administer an Estate, including obtaining the Grant of Probate/Letters of Administration

  • Where no Inheritance is payable, no gift were made during the previous 7 years of the Deceased’s lifetime and there are a maximum of 7 assets my fees are likely to be £5,995 plus disbursements.
  • Where Inheritance is payable, and there are less than 7 assets and no gifts were made during the previous 7 years of the deceased's lifetime my fees are likely to be £6,995 plus disbursements.
  • Where Inheritance is payable, and there are more than 7 assets, and/or gifts were made during the previous 7 years of the deceased's lifetime my fees are likely to be £8,995 plus disbursements.

 

Please note:

  • Each case of probate and estate planning is unique. From our initial consultation, we will establish your requirements and the amount of work involved. From here, we will provide you with a fixed price.
  • The exact cost will depend on your specific circumstances.


There are additional costs that have to be paid to other organisations, known as disbursements. This will include:

  • The probate application fee of £300, for estates valued over £5,000. If the estates value is £5,000 or less, then there is no fee.
  • Obtaining extra copies of the probate document at £1.50 each (if you need to send them to multiple organisations at the same time)
  • Placing a notice in The London Gazette £96 including VAT, plus a further £8 for voucher evidence
  • Placing a notice in a local newspaper £264, including VAT
  • If probate has already been granted, it costs £20 to make a second application. For example, if you want to apply as an executor after holding "power reserved" on the first application. You will have to pay the fee even if the value of the estate is £5,000 or less.


See examples of pricing here

FAQs

  • What is probate?

    Traditionally a subject excluded from everyday conversation, most of us are uncomfortable with death and dying. Furthermore, the loss of a loved one is generally a distressing, confusing and painful experience. 


    Probate is the term used for the legal right to deal with a person's estate when they die. Although we cannot negate your emotional suffering, Price Mann Probate Services are perfectly placed to complete the process of probate on your behalf. Protecting your loved one’s legacy and helping to relieve your additional pressure, we comprise an expert team of chartered accountants, tax advisors and probate professionals.

  • What is the legal process of probate?

    At such an overwhelmingly sad time, matters are often exasperated by convoluted legal processes and associated paperwork. Particularly, when we consider that registering the death of a loved one and arranging the funeral are only the very beginnings of the practicalities involved. 


    Regardless of whether your loved one left a will or not, in England and Wales, probate is a part of the legal process surrounding a death. It involves organising and distributing your loved one’s estate—their property, assets and possessions. 


    This process includes applying for probate to become a personal representative, which gives you the right to deal with their estate. 


    Alongside ensuring that your loved one’s estate is distributed according to their wishes, the legal process of probate also ensures: 


    • All relevant taxes are calculated and paid

    • Outstanding payment of monies owing to creditors

    • Any payments owing by debtors are collected


    Coping with your loss, dealing with the practicalities and unlocking all of the assets in your loved one’s estate, can simply become overwhelming. 


    Established for 40 years, our solid reputation for trust precedes us. Providing a personalised, cost-effective and confidential service, we eliminate jargon and make your life that little bit easier. 

  • What is the process of probate?

    Probate can be a time-consuming, confusing and sometimes harrowing process, but Price Mann Probate Services make it easy. We act on your behalf and oversee every stage of the process.


    Not to be confused with a will, probate is a part of the legal process surrounding a death. It involves formally organising and distributing your loved one’s estate—their property, assets and possessions. 


    Probate can be a time-consuming, confusing and sometimes harrowing process, but Price Mann Probate Services make it easy. We act on your behalf and oversee every stage of the process.


    Moreover, probate can often be delayed due to formal valuations of property, investments, jewellery or works of art. Rest assured that Price Mann Probate Services also organise independent, professional valuations that do not impede the speed of the probate process.


    Although each probate case is different, to help you to understand the obligations involved, we have outlined four key probate stages below: 


    1. Obtaining a Grant of Probate

    This stage is often a stressful and confusing period as it immediately follows your loved one’s death. Obtaining a Grant of Probate includes establishing if your loved one left a will and ascertaining the executors or the roles of administering the estate. Although at this stage the overall picture of the estate may not yet be clear, relevant information needs to be gathered in order to prepare the inheritance tax account and executor’s oath. It is during this stage that important decisions will have to be made. Price Mann Probate Services prove invaluable when it comes to guidance and advice on obtaining a Grant of Probate. 


    2. After Probate is Granted

    This is an active stage where the Grant of Probate is registered with asset holders, debts are paid and assets may be collected or sold. It may also involve handling queries from HMRC regarding the value of the estate. If the estate assets are sufficient, the executors will authorise payment of legacies and if possible, a payment on account—interim distribution—is made to each of the beneficiaries. During this stage, one or more of the beneficiaries may consider altering the will, or effecting intestacy rules, by means of a Deed of Variation. After probate is granted, Price Mann Probate Services work in your best interests, reassuringly overseeing every detail on your behalf.  


    3. Review

    This may be the most protracted stage of administration. Typically, there may be lengthy negotiations with HMRC concerning the valuation of assets in the estate or the calculation of inheritance tax. If the beneficiaries have decided to enter into a Deed of Variation, it will be prepared during this stage. Price Mann Probate Services will handle the entire review stage for you, protecting your loved one’s legacy in the most tax-efficient way and completing all necessary paperwork. 


    4. Accounting and Final Distribution

    At this stage, the value of all assets and debts have been settled with HMRC. Inheritance tax has been paid and an application for a Clearance Certificate has been made.  Accounts can then be drawn up to show the money received and paid by the executors—and the funds due to beneficiaries. Price Mann Probate Services will then issue final payments on your behalf and finalise all matters to complete the administration.

  • How long does the probate process take?

    • On average, for simple cases we will try and conclude the estate administration within 6 – 12 months of being instructed:
    • We allow 3-4 months for obtaining the Grant of Representation from the point we are instructed.
    • Collecting assets then follows, which can take a further 3–4 months.
    • Once this has been done, distribution of the assets normally takes a further 3-4 months.

    The above time estimates are for guidance only and vary depending upon the work involved. Large and /or more complex estates will take longer to conclude as there will likely be inheritance tax issues which will require us to liaise with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). HMRC can take up to 6 months to finalise their own position on an estate, and this increases the time it will take for us to conclude the estate administration.


    Where there are one or more properties in an estate that need to be sold, there might be a delay if a buyer is not found quickly.


  • Why must an estate go through probate?

    In England and Wales, probate is a legal process following a death. It involves organising and distributing the deceased’s estate—their property, assets and possessions. 

    However, probate is not required in all instances. Estates classed as small estates with a value of up to £5,000, can potentially transfer to beneficiaries without probate. 

  • Can I challenge an application for probate?

    To challenge or stop an application for probate is referred to as, enter a caveat. The circumstances where this may occur include:

    • Disputes surrounding who can apply for probate

    • Questions surrounding the validity of the will

  • What happens if I die without making a will?

    Referred to as intestacy or dying intestate, dying without a valid will can have serious implications for your estate and your loved ones. In this instance, the law will dictate how your estate will be distributed and it should not be assumed that your loved ones will automatically benefit. 


    It may even mean that your loved ones receive nothing or that your estate incurs higher levels of inheritance tax. If you die without making a will and you have no immediate relatives, the main beneficiaries of your estate will be HMRC and the government.


    We cannot stress the importance of making a will. Not only does it save your loved ones from further distress, but it also ensures that your estate is distributed according to your wishes.

  • What is a personal representative?

    Responsible for distributing and settling your estate, a personal representative (also referred to as an executor) is named in your will. This can be a family member, a friend, a financial institution or even a professional such as your solicitor or accountant. It is good practice to name two personal representatives in your will, in the event that one is unable to make decisions for the estate.

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