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    • OUR FEES

    Hilcrest Solicitors GB Limited provides transparent and realistic cost estimates at the outset of your matter, and, if need be, at regular intervals thereafter.

    We have a reputation for providing a high level of service at a cost which is extremely competitive. Please see below for our price guide.

    However, please note that in the case of probate, the exact cost will depend on the individual circumstances of each matter. For example, if there is one beneficiary, no property and no inheritance to pay, costs will be at the lower end of the range. If there are multiple beneficiaries, one or more houses and multiple bank accounts, costs will be at the higher end. If there are disputes between beneficiaries on division of assets, or there are claims made against the estate, this is also likely to lead to an increase in costs.

    We can help you through the process by obtaining the Grant of Probate on your behalf. This includes identifying the type of Probate application you will require, obtaining the relevant documents required to make the application, completing the Probate Application and the relevant HMRC forms, drafting the legal oath for you to swear, making the application to the Probate Court on your behalf, obtaining the Probate and providing copies to you and collecting and distributing all assets in the estate.

    Please note that work involving (but not limited to) the following, are not included in our fixed fee
    structure:

    •  Sale of property
    •  Missing original Will
    •  Missing beneficiaries
    •  Overseas assets
    •  Deed of Variation or any other form of estate planning.
    •  Creating a Trust out of the Will and registering the same with HMRC.
    •  All work of a contentious nature.
    On average, the entire probate and estate administration process are dealt with within 6-12 months. Straightforward estates with no property to deal with or that are under the threshold for inheritance tax can be completed faster than this quite often because there is no inheritance tax to pay and the executors do not need to submit a full account to HM Revenue and Customs. Typically, obtaining the grant of probate in such cases takes 3-6 weeks. Collecting assets then follows, which can take between 2-7 weeks. Once this has been done, we can then distribute the assets, which normally takes between 1-2 weeks. On the other hand, more complex estates can take far longer, especially if there are lots of properties or overseas assets.
    Second, in the case of residential conveyancing, fees and disbursements can vary dependent on factors such as the property's value, leasehold transactions, whether or not there is a mortgage, etc. Such variations can result in charges that are significantly more than the amounts given below. Further, some disbursements, e.g., notice(s) and searches fees, are set by third parties, such as freeholders, management companies, local authorities, etc., over whom we have no control. Furthermore, how long it will take from your offer being accepted until you can move in to your house will depend on a number of factors. On average, however, the process takes around 8 weeks. It can be quicker or slower, depending on the parties in the chain. Or, if you are a first time buyer purchasing a (new build) property; or if you are buying a leasehold property that may or may not require an extension of the lease; or if the legal title is defective or the property is unregistered; or there are building regulations or planning issues, etc. In those cases, it can take significantly longer - between 2 and 5 months. In such situations, additional charges would apply. Some key stages of the transaction are set out on the Services page of our website.

    Third, in the case of our fixed fee debt recovery service, the fixed fee is only applicable in undefended actions. If your debt claim becomes defended at any point, then we reserve the right to charge the applicable hourly rate set out in our retainer letter to you. Further, the court fee, dependent on the amount of your claim, is between £35 and £10,000. Interest and compensation may take the debt into a higher banding resulting in a higher fee. Furthermore, if judgment is obtained but not paid, further action will be required to enforce payment. We will discuss with you separately, any third-party fees (e.g. court, enforcement officers, etc.) for enforcement. Please note that we reserve the right to charge an additional fee if we are required to arrange for third party enforcement.

    Fees Guide

    Debt Recovery Costs estimate, on average, (excluding VAT)
    Debt Recovery £650 plus VAT and a success fee of between 5% and 20% + Court Fees
    Divorce -- We offer a fixed fee for divorce itself, but finances and children are dealt with at our hourly rate £1000 plus VAT (for uncontested divorces) plus Court Fee (currently £550)
    Drafting of employment agreements - Perusing agreements and advising Between £300 and £500 plus VAT
    Drafting of tenancy agreements - Perusing agreements and advising Between £300 and £500 plus VAT
    Landlord and Tenant (residential): For landlord: straightforward obtaining of possession. Proceedings not defended £1,550 plus VAT and Court Fees (excluding fee to prepare/ serve notices)
    Obtaining a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration (non-contentious). £800 - £2,000 plus VAT plus third-party costs (e.g. Valuers, Probate Registry, etc.)
    Administration of estates (non-contentious) £2,000 - £6,000 plus VAT and third-party costs (e.g. posts in The London Gazette and in a local newspaper – these protect against unexpected claims from unknown creditors)
    Single Will £350 plus VAT
    Mirror Will £650 plus VAT
    Will with a life interest (single) £550 plus VAT
    Will with a life interest (mirror) £850 plus VAT
    Depending on your personal circumstances and instructions, the following additional fees may be added to our fees:
    Letters to third parties i.e. doctor’s: mental capacity assessment £200 plus VAT
    Home/ Hospital visit (depending on distance) £150 – £350 plus VAT (in addition)
    Expedited Service (depending on the urgency) £200 – £450 plus VAT (in addition)
    Residential conveyancing Sale £775 plus VAT
    Residential conveyancing Purchase £895 plus VAT
    Notice of transfer fee: This fee, if chargeable, is set out in the lease. Between £0 and £350 plus VAT
    Notice of charge fee: (if the property is to be mortgaged) – This fee is also set out in the lease. Between £0 and £250 plus VAT
    Deed of covenant fee: This fee is set by the management company for the property and can be difficult to estimate. Between £0 and £500 plus VAT
    Certificate of compliance fee: To be confirmed upon receipt of the lease. Between £0 and £450 plus VAT
    HM land registry fee: Variable (depending on transaction type and property value)
    Searches fee: Prices could increase depending on location of the property/ searches required Between £250 and £350 plus VAT
    Stamp duty land tax Variable (depending on transaction type and property value)
    Solicitors' letter - one letter any type of matter £300 plus VAT