The wills and probate solicitors team at KB Legal Associates Ltd appreciate that when it comes to personal wealth planning, tax,trusts and succession your individual concerns are just as important as the technical issues. Our Wills solicitors take time to understand your specific circumstances, family situation and business and financial arrangements.

Probate – how can we help you

The death of a loved one can put you under a great deal of emotional stress. Dealing with the legal, tax and administrative responsibilities is often the last thing on your mind and can be a daunting task. To add to this you may be unfamiliar with what to do and with certain terms such as Probate and Estate Administration.

Our probate lawyers at KB Legal Associates can help you deal with these responsibilities. Whether you need some advice on what steps to take in dealing with the estate of a loved one or you would like someone to carry out all the relevant services on your behalf – our probate solicitors London team are here to help.

Disputing an estate and probate litigation – how can we help

Wills and the law of intestacy do not always produce a fair result; reasonable financial provision is not always made for everyone entitled to expect this. We understand that when this happens and you become involved in disputes involving wills or other estate inheritance issues, these matters are often very emotive and sensitive. With this in mind our advice to you is professional, empathetic and sensitive at all times. During the process you can be sure that we will be representing your best interests at all times.

Our services, provided by our specialist wills and probate solicitors are designed to:

• Give you peace of mind by putting your affairs in order
• Avoid unnecessary distress for your family and friends
• Ensure your dependents are properly provided for
• Ensure only your chosen family or friends benefit from your estate
• Avoid unnecessary tax being paid
• Maximize financial benefits from your income and savings
• Preserve your wealth

Very few people like to consider their own mortality too deeply however with the tax and inheritance laws in place in the UK it is foolhardy to not make a plan.
KB Legal Associates Ltd – our solicitors recognise that everyone approaches this subject differently and they will sensitively take you through each step of the process required to produce you Will. When a will has been drafted correctly it will ensure your legacy can be distributed accordingly to your specific wishes.
Do you have a will that is current and contains all your wishes? Do you have an old will that needs amending? Have you made adequate and legally binding arrangements for your loved ones? Have you made proper arrangements for your child, partner or a trusted friend if the unexpected happens?

Prepare and Register a Lasting Power of Attorney
Another increasingly common fact of life is the need to prepare living wills, or preparing and registering a power of attorney, which can allow your agents to deal with your property according to your wishes. This practice ensures that complicated legal proceedings can often be avoided, especially in cases where the person involved is either physically or mentally vulnerable.

We can also assist with probate applications and filing of the relevant tax forms to HMRC. Equally, in cases where no Will has been prepared, we can provide a professional discreet and sympathetic Estate Administration service.

Services include:

• Quality Will Writing Service (first will / make changes)
• Lasting Power of Attorney (Financial & Property / Health & Welfare)
• Living Wills
  Probate Services
• Estate Administration

We also give free Seminars several times a year providing valuable information about these crucial issues. Our Seminars are well received as they simplify issues concerning wills and probate; and highlight the benefits of preparing wills, and powers of attorney etc, and provide a forum for questions and answers in a relaxed environment.
Contact us for more information if you are interested in arranging a free seminar (you will require a suitable venue and at least 10 people attending).

Now available to everyone over 18 years old.

Not yet made your Will or Do you need to make changes to an existing will?

Leaving a Gift to a Sickle Cell Charity in your free Will is not mandatory. If you wish to just take the free Will that is fine.
However, it is hoped that you would decide to leave a Gift to CRUK in your free Will, to help the charity continue the fight against Cancer after you pass away.
For terms and conditions or further information on the Sickle Cell free Will scheme contact us on 020 36373119 or 07904474119.

Uncontested Probate & Estate Administration

Hourly rate:
At the lower range, this type of work will typically take between 8 to 12 hours at an hourly rate of £250.00 per hour. The more issues or complexities involved in a matter; the more time will be required. The final cost will depend on the individual circumstances, complexity and duration of the matter.

Simple case Medium complexity High end /Complex
The estate will typically have no more than three beneficiaries, up to one property, no more than three bank accounts, no shareholding and no Inheritance tax due. Costs could be in the range of £1,500.00 to £4,000.00 including VAT and disbursements. The estate is slightly bigger than at the lower end, may have some shareholding, various bank accounts, one property eligible for RNRB, but no liability for inheritance tax. Costs could be in the range of £4,500.00 to £8,000.00 including VAT and disbursements. The estate is more sizeable, complex, or liable for inheritance Tax. Costs will start from £8,500.00 including VAT and disbursements. Fees will be assessed at the beginning and reviewed at various stages and you will be kept informed throughout the process.

Work included in fixed fee:
Applying for the grant, collecting in and distributing the estate assets
Providing you with a dedicated and experienced probate solicitor to work on your matter
Identifying the legally appointed executors or administrators and beneficiaries
Accurately identifying the type of Probate application, you will require
Obtaining the relevant documents required to make the application
Completing the Probate Application and any relevant HMRC forms
Drafting a legal oath
Submitting the application to the Probate Court on your behalf
Obtaining the Probate and securely sending copies to you
Collecting in and distributing all assets in the estate

Standard Terms for Fixed fee cases:
There is a valid will.
There are no disputes between beneficiaries. If disputes arise after a fixed fee is agreed, this will lead to an increase in costs.
There are no claims made against the estate.
Any change of circumstances that makes the matter prolonged or complex will lead to an increase in costs.
Disbursements (i.e. expenses):
Disbursements (i.e. expenses), are costs related to your matter that are paid to third parties, such as court fees, experts, barristers etc. These expenses are never included in our fees. We require funds on account, in order to handle these expenses to ensure a smooth process. The usual disbursements include (but not limited to):
Probate application fee of £155.00
£7.00 to £10.00 Swearing of the oath (per executor)
Bankruptcy-only Land Charges Department searches (£2.00 per beneficiary)
Additional copies of the grant cost 1.50 pence each
£120.00 Post in The London Gazette – Protects against unexpected claims from unknown creditors.
£450.00 to £500.00 Post in a Local Newspaper – This helps to protect against unexpected claims.
Circa £300-£800.00

Additional costs
There will be additional costs for any of the following reasons: no will, estate consists of shareholdings (stocks and bonds), including mixed portfolios, size and complexity of the estate, tracing missing heirs, or assets held outside the UK. We can give you a more accurate quote when we have more information.
Dealing with the sale or transfer of any property in the estate is not included, and will be charged for separately.
If Counsel (i.e. a barrister), is engaged for an opinion or to advise or draft a Deed of Variation, then Counsel’s costs will probably in the range of £1,500.00 to £2,500.00 including VAT), this will be confirmed at the time of instruction.

How long will my matter take?
On average, the probate process, and estate administration takes within 4 to 6 months.