COMPREHENSIVE PROBATE ADMINISTRATION SUPPORT
TAILORED WILLS FOR EVERY FAMILY NEED
SPECIALISTS IN INHERITANCE DISPUTE RESOLUTION
WILLS AND ESTATE PLANNING
A will ensures your estate—including property, savings, and personal possessions—is distributed according to your wishes under English law. Without a valid will, your estate will be distributed under the laws of intestacy, which may not reflect your intentions. At Shah Law Chambers, we draft legally valid wills, including Islamic Sharia-compliant wills, ensuring they meet religious and legal requirements. We also draw on our expertise in civil litigation and employment law to advise on potential disputes or claims related to estates or executorships, helping you avoid conflicts and delays while providing clear guidance on how your estate will be handled.
PROBATE SERVICES AND ADMINISTRATION
We assist executors with uncontested probate matters, including applying for a probate grant, collecting assets, settling liabilities, and distributing the estate according to the will or intestacy rules. Our scope covers:
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Reviewing all assets, debts, and liabilities of the deceased
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Determining proper beneficiaries and preparing HMRC inheritance tax forms
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Drafting and submitting the executor’s Oath
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Collecting estate assets and distributing residuary estate
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Preparing estate accounts for transparency
Excluded services include property sales, disputed estates, taxation issues, or legal disputes between beneficiaries. Additional charges may apply for complex estates or unforeseen issues.
PRICING AND LIKELY COSTS
Our minimum charge for a straightforward will (Islamic or standard) is £500 + VAT. Complex wills or additional work are charged at £300 + VAT per hour. For uncontested probate cases, we usually charge a fixed fee between £2,000 and £5,000 + VAT, depending on the number of assets, beneficiaries, and complexity. Additional disbursements may include:
London Gazette notice: £95 + VAT
Swearing of oath: £5–7 per executor
Land charges searches: £1 per beneficiary
We provide detailed cost estimates after reviewing your case to ensure transparency.
EXPECTED TIMESCALES FOR WILLS AND PROBATE
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ASSET IDENTIFICATION AND HMRC TAX PREPARATION: 3–6 months
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GRANT APPLICATION AND OATH SUBMISSION: 3–6 months
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COLLECTION OF ASSETS, PAYMENT OF LIABILITIES, AND DISTRIBUTION: 6–9 months
Timescales may vary depending on the complexity of the estate, responsiveness of third parties, inheritance tax issues, or unforeseen complications.
COMPLICATING FACTORS IN PROBATE
Certain factors can increase complexity and extend timelines, including:
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Foreign property or domicile issues
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Trusts or multiple estates
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Transferable nil-rate bands or residence nil-rate bands
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Digital or intangible assets
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Missing beneficiaries or multiple heirs
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Extensive communication with multiple beneficiaries
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Delays from third parties or HMRC inquiries
We proactively manage these challenges to minimise delays and provide clear guidance throughout the process.
