Probate
All Our Fees Are Fixed And Agreed In Advance.
When a family member or loved one dies, dealing with estate administration can be a daunting task and is often the last thing on a person’s mind. We offer an efficient, professional and above all personal service to make your life easier at such a distressing time.
The process of administering an estate is commonly known as ‘Probate’ and involves:
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ascertaining the value of the Deceased’s assets and liabilities;
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dealing with the Inland Revenue Inheritance Tax return;
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preparing the probate papers;
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applying to the Probate Registry for the Grant of Probate or Grant of Letters of Administration
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collecting in the assets of the estate and settling the liabilities once the Grant is received.
Probate will be required to:
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sell or transfer a house
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sell or transfer shares
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in most cases to close bank accounts
The assistance required by the Executors will depend on:
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the finances of the Deceased
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the terms of the Will
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the family circumstances
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how much work the Executors are willing or able to do
We Offer 2 Levels Of Service To Suit Your Requirements
Starting From £1,200 +vat / £1,440 Inc Vat
Executors responsible for registering death with all asset holders
Executors establish the assets and liabilities at date of death
We will complete the probate papers, Inheritance tax forms and apply for the Grant of Probate.
Starting From £1,650 +vat / £1,980 Inc Vat
This is our most complete service, relieving you of the heavy burden of dealing with the estate when your thoughts are elsewhere. It ensures that probate is obtained quickly and efficiently.
We will register the death certificate with the asset holders
We will ascertain the date of death assets and liabilities of the estate
We will complete all the probate papers, Inheritance Tax forms and apply for the Grant of Probate.
Probate Property Sales
We are able to assist our probate clients with the sale of an estate property. We do NOT deal with property purchases.
Probate Property Valuations
When dealing with the disposal of an estate, there is often a need for a property valuation or sale. Our preferred estate agent for this work is Curchods. Our shared core values and established business partnership relationship allow our clients to benefit from preferential commission rates.
Wills
All Our Fees Are Discussed And Agreed In Advance.
Only 30% of people in this country have made a Will. This is because we do not like thinking about death and we are unaware of the importance of having a professionally drafted Will. Once a person overcomes their fears and makes a Will they find that it is a positive step that gives them great peace of mind. They are reassured that their affairs are in order.
If you die without a Will you die “intestate”, which means:
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the intestacy laws set out which of your family members inherit, and the amount
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your spouse will not necessarily inherit all of your estate
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if you are unmarried, your Partner will not inherit anything
A legally valid Will, carefully prepared by a qualified expert Solicitor, will ensure that:
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you provide for your loved ones in the way you wish
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you choose the Executors who will administer your estate
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you choose the Guardians for your minor children
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you can take steps to reduce the Inheritance Tax payable
You can also choose to appoint Lodge Brothers Legal Services as the Executors of your Will. We will ensure that your estate is dealt with promptly and efficiently so that your loved ones do not have the responsibility but do receive their inheritance as quickly as possible.
Simple Will Service
Without a client meeting
Single Will starting from:
£325 +VAT (£390 inc. VAT)
Mirror Wills starting from:
£500 +VAT (£600 inc. VAT)
Bespoke Will Service
Includes a meeting with a qualified Solicitor or Legal Executive to discuss your requirements in person
Single Will starting from:
£500 +VAT (£600 inc. VAT)
Mirror Wills starting from:
£750 +VAT (£900 inc. VAT)
All our fees are fixed and agreed in advance.
Lasting Power Of Attorney
All Our Fees Are Fixed And Agreed In Advance.
A Lasting Power of Attorney (“LPA”) is a legal document that lets you appoint another person, the attorney, to make financial and/or welfare decisions on your behalf, if in the future you become unable or unwilling to make your own decisions.
There are 2 types of Lasting Powers of Attorney:
Property and Financial Affairs
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gives your Attorney authority to deal with your property and finances
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can be used whether or not you lack mental capacity
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your Attorney will be able to manage your bank account, pay your bills, collect your pension and sell your home
Health and Welfare
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allows your Attorney to make welfare and health care decisions for you, including decisions about life sustaining treatment
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can only be used if you lack mental capacity to make your own decisions
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your Attorney can make decisions about your daily routine, medical care and care home
If an LPA is not in place when mental capacity is lost, an application must be made to the Court of Protection for a Deputy to be appointed. This is a complicated and costly process, and the Court of Protection will be involved on an ongoing basis.
We can advise on making LPA’s, prepare the documents and deal with registration at the Office of the Public Guardian (“OPG”).
All our fees are fixed and agreed in advance starting from £550 +VAT (£660 inc. VAT) plus OPG registration fee of £92.
Contact Us
24 Hours a Day Call: 020 8818 7725
Or contact us online for advice, assistance or a quotation. When you need someone to guide you — we listen, we help, we take care.