On this page you will find all of our cost and service information that we are required to publish as part of the SRA transparency rules in price and service that came into effect on 6th December 2018.
Pricing
Purchase of a Freehold Residential Property
Cost Information
| Type of Cost | Cost | VAT* |
| Legal Fees We anticipate it will take between 5 and 7 hours work with hourly rates between £120 – £220 per hour depending on the legal expert used |
Between £725 – £1,950 | Yes |
| Disbursements Local Search Fees |
Please refer to the relevant local authorities website. | Yes |
| Water & Drainage Search Fees | Please refer to the relevant local authorities website. | Yes |
| Environmental Search Fees | Please refer to the relevant local authorities website. | Yes |
| Clay/Tin/Coal Mining Search | Please refer to the relevant local authorities website. | Yes |
| Commons Registration Searches | Please refer to the relevant local authorities website. | Yes |
| LawyerCheck Search Fee | £12.00 | Yes |
| Chancel Search Fees | £15.79 | Yes |
| Land Charges Searches (bankruptcy) | £2.00 per name | Yes |
| Land Charges Searches | £3.00 | Yes |
| Other Disbursements Electronic ID fee |
£5.00 | Yes |
| Electronic Transfer Fee (TT) | £35.00 | Yes |
| HM Land Registry Fee varies depending on value of house. See following link for an estimate of cost. View here |
Variable | No |
| Stamp Duty Land Tax This depends on the purchase price of your property. You can calculate the amount you will need to pay by using HMRC’s website or if the property is located in Wales by using the Welsh Revenue Authority’s website. Please see the following link: View here |
Variable | No |
| Stamp Duty Administration Fee | £80 | Yes |
| Estimated Legal Fees Total Cost | Between £725 – £1,950 | Yes |
| Estimated Disbursements and Stamp Duty Total Cost | Varies depending on value of property | |
| Estimated Overall Cost | £725 – £1,950 + Disbursements + Stamp Duty | Yes |
| *VAT is charged at 20% on Services and Disbursements. |
Service Information
| Key Stages of Process | Time Spent on Each Stage |
| 1. Take your instructions and give you initial advice. | 30-60 mins |
| 2. Check finances are in place to fund purchase and contact lender’s solicitors if needed. | 20-30 mins |
| 3. Receive and advise on contract documents. | 30-45 mins |
| 4. Carry out searches. | 20 mins |
| 5. Obtain further planning documentation if required. | 30-60 mins |
| 6. Make any necessary enquiries of sellers solicitors. | 30-60 mins |
| 7. Give you advise on all documents and information received. | 30-60 mins |
| 8. Go through conditions of mortgage offer with you. | 30-45 mins |
| 9. Send final contract to you for signature. | 20 mins |
| 10. Draft Transfer. | 20 mins |
| 11. Advise you on joint ownership. | 30-60 mins |
| 12. Obtain pre-completion searches. | 10 mins |
| 13. Agree completion date (date from which you own the property). | 10-60 mins |
| 14. Exchange contracts and notify you that this has happened. | 30 – 90 mins |
| 15. Arrange for all monies needed to be received from lender and you. | 30 – 60 mins |
| 16. Complete Purchase. | 20 – 60 mins |
| 17. Deal with with Stamp Duty/Land Tax. | 30 mins |
| 18. Deal with application for registration at Land Registry. | 20 mins |
| Any services not included in the price that we might reasonably be expected to pay for | Estimated Cost | VAT* |
| If you are acting using a Power of Attorney | £150 | Yes |
| If we need to prepare a general Power of Attorney | £150 | Yes |
| If you need a simultaneous exchange and completion | £150 | Yes |
| Approving or arranging an indemnity insurance policy (per policy) | £60 | Yes |
| Dealing with an unregistered title | £250 | Yes |
| Dealing with a second lender | £145 | Yes |
| Preparation of a simple Deed of Trust Joint Ownership form for Land Registry | £100 | Yes |
| Preparation of a short Deed of Trust for joint ownership | £300 | Yes |
| Preparation of a detailed Deed of Trust for joint ownership | £500 – £750 | Yes |
| Where funds are coming from a third party by gift or loan | £125 | Yes |
| Preparation of a Deed of Covenant | £100 | Yes |
| Transfer of Legal Aid charge or other current loan | £195 | Yes |
| Buy to Let (where an existing tenant) or the property is an HMO | £150 | Yes |
| Preparation of a statutory declaration where the title is defective | £125 | Yes |
| Negotiating for access before completion and arranging necessary undertakings | £100 | Yes |
| Preparation of a Deed of Easement | £200 | Yes |
| Where your lender has separate solicitors | £500 | Yes |
| Help to Buy | £350 | Yes |
| Dealing with retention of funds | £200 | Yes |
| Advice, negotiation and drafting of lockout agreements | Hourly rate | Yes |
| New build purchase | £200 – £350 | Yes |
| *VAT is charged at 20% on Services and Disbursements. |
Legal Terminology and Definitions
Disbursements – Costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as the council fee. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.
Sale of a Freehold Residential Property
Cost Information
| Type of Cost | Cost | VAT* |
| Legal Fees We anticipate it will take between 5 and 6 hours work with hourly rates between £120 -£220 per hour depending on the legal expert used |
Between £675 – £1,350 | Yes |
| Other Disbursements Electronic ID fee |
£5.00 | Yes |
| Office Copy Entries | £6.00 | Yes |
| LawyerCheck Search | £12.00 | Yes |
| Electronic Money Transfer Fee (TT) | £35.00 | Yes |
| Indemnity policies if required | Varied | Yes |
| Estimated Legal Fees Total Cost | Between £675 – £1,350 | Yes |
| Estimated Disbursements and Stamp Duty Total Cost | Varies depending on value of property | |
| Estimated Overall Cost | £675 – £1,350 + Disbursements | Yes |
| *VAT is charged at 20% on Services and Disbursements. |
Service Information
| Key Stages of Process | Time Spent on Each Stage |
| 1. Take your instructions and give you initial advice. | 30-60 mins |
| 2. Take details of lender and make contact. | 20 mins |
| 3. Order title for Land Registry and draft Contract. | 30-45 mins |
| 4. Prepare and send out Property Information Forms / Fixtures and Fittings for completion. | 10 mins |
| 5. Checking Property Information Form on return and submitting to buyers solicitors. | 10 – 30 mins |
| 6. Dealing with additional enquiries from buyers solicitors. | 30-90 mins |
| 7. Obtaining planning / building regulation / NHBC warranty information. | 30-60 mins |
| 8. Receiving Transfer and approval. | 20-45 mins |
| 9. Go through Contract and Transfer papers with you. | 30-45 mins |
| 10.Contacting lender for redemption statements and procedures. | 20 mins |
| 11. Agree completion date. | 10-60 mins |
| 12. Exchange contracts and notify you that this has happened. | 30 – 90 mins |
| 13. Arrange for all monies needed to be sent to the lender and to you on completion. | 30 – 60 mins |
| 14. Complete Sale. | 20 – 60 mins |
| Any services not included in the price that we might reasonably be expected to pay for | Estimated Cost | VAT* |
| If you are acting using a Power of Attorney | £150 | Yes |
| If we need to prepare a general Power of Attorney | £150 | Yes |
| If you need a simultaneous exchange and completion | £150 | Yes |
| Approving or arranging an indemnity insurance policy (per policy) | £60 | Yes |
| Dealing with an unregistered title | £250 | Yes |
| Preparation and completion of a Deed of Covenant | £75 | Yes |
| Voluntary first registration for a sale | £200 | Yes |
| Dealing with third party lawyers (eg on a matrimonial sale) | £200 | Yes |
| Removal of registered cautions/restrictions/charges | £150 | Yes |
| Where there is a separate leasehold garage | £200 | Yes |
| Dealing with a second lender | £145 | Yes |
| Transfer of Legal Aid charge or other current loan | £195 | Yes |
| Preparation of a statutory declaration where the title is defective | £125 | Yes |
| Preparation of a Deed of Easement | £200 | Yes |
| Where your lender has separate solicitors | £500 | Yes |
| Dealing with retention of funds | £200 | Yes |
| Advice, negotiation and drafting of lockout agreements | Hourly rate | |
| *VAT is charged at 20% on Services and Disbursements. |
Legal Terminology and Definitions
Disbursements – Costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as the council fee. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.
Purchase of a Leasehold Residential Property
Cost Information
| Type of Cost | Cost | VAT* |
| Legal Fees We anticipate it will take between 6 and 8 hours work with hourly rates between £120 -£220 per hour depending on the legal expert used |
Between £725 – £1,750 | Yes |
| Disbursements Local Search Fees |
Please refer to the relevant local authorities website. | Yes |
| Water & Drainage Search Fees | Please refer to the relevant local authorities website. | Yes |
| Environmental Search Fees | Please refer to the relevant local authorities website. | Yes |
| Clay/Tin/Coal Mining Search | Please refer to the relevant local authorities website. | Yes |
| Commons Registration Searches | Please refer to the relevant local authorities website. | Yes |
| LawyerCheck Search Fee | £12.00 | Yes |
| Chancel Search Fees | £15.79 | Yes |
| Land Charges Searches (bankruptcy) | £2.00 per name | Yes |
| Land Charges Searches | £3.00 | Yes |
| Other Disbursements Electronic ID fee |
£5.00 | Yes |
| Electronic Transfer Fee (TT) | £35.00 | Yes |
| HM Land Registry Fee varies depending on value of house. See following link for an estimate of cost. View here |
Variable | No |
| Stamp Duty Land Tax This depends on the purchase price of your property. You can calculate the amount you will need to pay by using HMRC’s website or if the property is located in Wales by using the Welsh Revenue Authority’s website. Please see the following link: View here |
Variable | |
| Stamp Duty Administration Fee | £80 | No |
| Estimated Legal Fees Total Cost | Between £725 – £1,500 | Yes |
| Estimated Disbursements and Stamp Duty Total Cost | Varies depending on value of property | |
| Estimated Overall Cost | £725 – £1,500 + Disbursements + Stamp Duty | Yes |
| *VAT is charged at 20% on Services and Disbursements. |
Service Information
| Key Stages of Process | Time Spent on Each Stage |
| 1. Take your instructions and give you initial advice. | 30-60 mins |
| 2. Check finances are in place to fund purchase and contact lender’s solicitors if needed. | 20-30 mins |
| 3. Receive and advise on contract documents. | 30-45 mins |
| 4. Carry out searches. | 20 mins |
| 5. Obtain further planning documentation if required. | 30-60 mins |
| 6. Make any necessary enquiries of sellers solicitors. | 30-60 mins |
| 7. Consider information supplied by management company. | 30-60 mins |
| 8. Give you advise on all documents and information received. | 30-60 mins |
| 9. Go through conditions of mortgage offer with you. | 30-45 mins |
| 10. Send final contract to you for signature. | 20 mins |
| 11. Draft Transfer. | 20 mins |
| 12. Advise you on joint ownership. | 30-60 mins |
| 13. Obtain pre-completion searches. | 10 mins |
| 14. Agree completion date (date from which you own the property). | 10-60 mins |
| 15. Exchange contracts and notify you that this has happened. | 30 – 90 mins |
| 16. Arrange for all monies needed to be received from lender and you. | 30 – 60 mins |
| 17. Complete Purchase. | 20 – 60 mins |
| 18. Deal with Landlord / management company requirements. | 20 – 30 mins |
| 18. Deal with with Stamp Duty/Land Tax. | 30 mins |
| 20. Deal with application for registration at Land Registry. | 20 mins |
| Any services not included in the price that we might reasonably be expected to pay for | Estimated Cost | VAT* |
| If you are acting using a Power of Attorney | £150 | Yes |
| If we need to prepare a general Power of Attorney | £150 | Yes |
| If you need a simultaneous exchange and completion | £150 | Yes |
| Approving or arranging an indemnity insurance policy (per policy) | £60 | Yes |
| Dealing with an unregistered title | £250 | Yes |
| Where there is a separate leasehold garage | £200 | Yes |
| Dealing with a second lender | £145 | Yes |
| Preparation of a simple Deed of Trust Joint Ownership form for Land Registry | £100 | Yes |
| Preparation of a short Deed of Trust for joint ownership | £300 | Yes |
| Preparation of a detailed Deed of Trust for joint ownership | £500 – £750 | Yes |
| Where funds are coming from a third party by gift or loan | £125 | Yes |
| Preparation of a Deed of Covenant | £100 | Yes |
| Transfer of Legal Aid charge or other current loan | £195 | Yes |
| Buy to Let (where an existing tenant) or the property is an HMO | £150 | Yes |
| Preparation of a statutory declaration where the title is defective | £125 | Yes |
| Negotiating for access before completion and arranging necessary undertakings | £100 | Yes |
| Preparation of a Deed of Easement | £200 | Yes |
| Preparation of a Deed of Variation to a Lease | £300 – £500 | Yes |
| Where your lender has separate solicitors | £500 | Yes |
| Help to Buy | £350 | Yes |
| Dealing with retention of funds | £200 | Yes |
| Advice, negotiation and drafting of lockout agreements | Hourly rate | Yes |
| New build purchase | £250 – £350 | Yes |
| Charges levied by freehold / management company on change of ownership | £250 – £500 | Yes |
| *VAT is charged at 20% on Services and Disbursements. |
Legal Terminology and Definitions
Disbursements – Costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as the council fee. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.
Sale of a Leasehold Residential Property
Cost Information
| Type of Cost | Cost | VAT* |
| We anticipate it will take between 5 and 7 hours work with hourly rates between £120-£220 per hour depending on the legal expert used | Between £695 – £1500 | Yes |
| Disbursements Electronic ID fee |
£5.00 | Yes |
| Office Copy Entries | £12.00 | Yes |
| LawyerCheck Search | £12.00 | Yes |
| Electronic Money Transfer Fee (TT) | £35.00 | Yes |
| Indemnity policies | Varied | No |
| Estimated Legal Fees Total Cost | Between £695 – £1500 | Yes |
| Estimated Disbursements Total Cost | TBC | |
| Estimated Overall Cost | £695 – £1500 + Disbursements | Yes |
| *VAT is charged at 20% on Services and Disbursements. |
Service Information
| Key Stages of Process | Time Spent on Each Stage |
| 1. Take your instructions and give you initial advice. | 30-60 mins |
| 2. Take details of lender and make contact. | 20 mins |
| 3. Order title for Land Registry and draft Contract. | 30-45 mins |
| 4. Prepare and send out Property Information Forms / Leasehold Information Form / Fixtures and Fittings for completion. | 10 mins |
| 5. Contact Landlord / managing agent for freehold information pack. | 10 mins |
| 6. Checking Property Information Form / Leasehold Information Form / Management Pack on return and submitting to buyers solicitors. | 20 – 30 mins |
| 7. Dealing with additional enquiries from buyers solicitors. | 30-90 mins |
| 8. Obtaining planning / building regulation / NHBC warranty information. | 30-60 mins |
| 9. Receiving Transfer and approval. | 20-45 mins |
| 10. Go through Contract and Transfer papers with you. | 30-45 mins |
| 11.Contacting lender for redemption statements and proceedures. | 20 mins |
| 12. Agree completion date. | 10-60 mins |
| 13. Exchange contracts and notify you that this has happened. | 30 – 90 mins |
| 14. Arrange for all monies needed to be sent to the lender and to you on completion. | 30 – 60 mins |
| 15. Deal with Landlord/managing agents obligations for sellers. | 30 mins |
| 15. Complete Sale. | 20 – 60 mins |
| Any services not included in the price that we might reasonably be expected to pay for | Estimated Cost | VAT* |
| If you are acting using a Power of Attorney | £150 | Yes |
| If we need to prepare a general Power of Attorney | £150 | Yes |
| If you need a simultaneous exchange and completion | £150 | Yes |
| Approving or arranging an indemnity insurance policy (per policy) | £60 | Yes |
| Dealing with an unregistered title | £250 | Yes |
| Preparation and completion of a Deed of Covenant | £75 | Yes |
| Voluntary first registration for a sale | £200 | Yes |
| Dealing with third party lawyerse (eg on a matrmonial sale) | £200 | Yes |
| Removal of registered cautions/restrictions/charges | £150 | Yes |
| Where there is a separate leasehold garage | £200 | Yes |
| Dealing with a second lender | £145 | Yes |
| Transfer of Legal Aid charge or other current loan | £195 | Yes |
| Preparation of a statutory declartion where the title is defective | £125 | Yes |
| Preparation of a Deed of Variation to a Lease | £300-500 | Yes |
| Preparation of a Deed of Easement | £200 | Yes |
| Where your lender has separate solicitors | £500 | Yes |
| Dealing with retention of funds | £200 | Yes |
| Advice, negotiation and drafting of lockout agreements | hourly rate | Yes |
| Charges levied by freeholder / management company for information pack | £300 – 500 | Yes |
| *VAT is charged at 20% on Services and Disbursements. |
Legal Terminology and Definitions
Disbursements – Costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as the council fee. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.
Mortgages and Remortgages
Cost Information
| Type of Cost | Cost | VAT* |
| Legal Fees We anticipate it will take between 3 and 6 hours work with hourly rates between £120-£220 per hour depending on the legal expert used. |
Between £495 – £1,250 | Yes |
| Disbursements Local Search Fees |
Please refer to the relevant local authorities website. | Yes |
| Water & Drainage Search Fees | Please refer to the relevant local authorities website. | Yes |
| Environmental Search Fees | Please refer to the relevant local authorities website. | Yes |
| Clay/Tin/Coal Mining Search | Please refer to the relevant local authorities website. | Yes |
| Commons Registration Searches | Please refer to the relevant local authorities website. | Yes |
| Chancel Search Fees | £15.79 | Yes |
| Land Charges Searches (bankruptcy) | £2.00 per name | Yes |
| Land Charges Searches | £3.00 | Yes |
| Other Disbursements Electronic ID fee |
£5.00 | Yes |
| Electronic Transfer Fee (TT) | £35.00 | Yes |
| HM Land Registry Fee varies depending on value of house. See following link for an estimate of cost. View here |
Variable | No |
| Estimated Legal Fees Total Cost | Between £495 – £1,250 | Yes |
| Estimated Disbursements and Stamp Duty Total Cost | Varies depending on value of property | |
| Estimated Overall Cost | £495 – £1,250 + Disbursements | Yes |
| *VAT is charged at 20% on Services and Disbursements. |
| Any services not included in the price that we might reasonably be expected to pay for | Estimated Cost | VAT* |
| If you are acting using a Power of Attorney | £150 | Yes |
| If we need to prepare a general Power of Attorney | £150 | Yes |
| Approving or arranging an indemnity insurance policy (per policy) | £60 | Yes |
| Dealing with an unregistered title | £250 | Yes |
| Where there is a separate leasehold garage | £200 | Yes |
| Dealing with a second lender | £145 | Yes |
| Preparation of a simple Deed of Trust Joint Ownership form for Land Registry | £100 | Yes |
| Preparation of a short Deed of Trust for joint ownership | £300 | Yes |
| Preparation of a detailed Deed of Trust for joint ownership | £500 – £750 | Yes |
| Where funds are coming from a third party by gift or loan | £125 | Yes |
| Preparation of a Deed of Covenant | £100 | Yes |
| Transfer of Legal Aid charge or other current loan | £195 | Yes |
| Buy to Let (where an existing tenant) or the property is an HMO | £150 | Yes |
| Preparation of a statutory declaration where the title is defective | £125 | Yes |
| Negotiating for access before completion and arranging necessary undertakings | £100 | Yes |
| Preparation of a Deed of Easement | £200 | Yes |
| Preparation of a Deed of Variation to a Lease | £300 – £500 | Yes |
| Where your lender has separate solicitors | £500 | Yes |
| Help to Buy | £350 | Yes |
| Charges levied by freeholder / management company for information pack | £300 – £500 | Yes |
| Charges levied by freeholder / management company for notice of new lender | £100 – £175 | Yes |
| *VAT is charged at 20% on Services and Disbursements. |
Legal Terminology and Definitions
Disbursements – Costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as the council fee. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.
Personnel Information
Private Charging Rates, Experience and Qualifications
If we do not work for you under the terms of a Legal Aid Certificate or Contingency Fee Agreement basis or fixed fee matter, we will charge you with the following schedule of fees, all charges listed below are subject to VAT. VAT is charged at 20% on Services and Disbursements.
| Fee Earner | Status | Hourly Rate | Qualifications |
| Head of Department – Sarah Witheridge | Partner | £250 | Solicitor |
| Abbi Tow | Property Advisor | £150 | |
| Alexandra Croft | Solicitor | £185 | Solicitor |
| Anne Keate | Licensed Conveyancer | £175 | CLC |
| Anthony Fripp | Partner | £250 | Solicitor |
| Anju Newcombe | Associate | £250 | Solicitor |
| Ashleigh McClements | Trainee Solicitor | £110 | LLB; LPC; LLM Law & Business; CQS 2021 Conveyancing Practice and Rick, Compliance and Care; LexisNexis Lexis Library advanced qualification |
| Ashton Sutcliffe | Solicitor | £185 | Solicitor |
| Bradley Mullins | Paralegal | £110 | |
| Brian Maxwell | Solicitor | £195 | Solicitor |
| Carla Eagleson | Chartered Legal Executive | £185 | Chartered Legal Executive |
| Carlie Broome | Property Advisor | £125 | Studying CLC |
| Carly Kingdon | Legal Assistant | £110 | No formal qualifications yet |
| Cheryl Bolt | Solicitor | £200 | Solicitor |
| Clive Williamson | Solicitor | £210 | Solicitor |
| Darren Heard | Solicitor | £200 | Solicitor; Chartered Legal Executive |
| David Wheaton | Partner | £220 | Solicitor |
| Debbie Hamzij | Partner | £250 | Solicitor |
| Giselle Sayed | Legal Advisor | £150 | ACILEx |
| Gill Bratcher | Partner | £250 | |
| Helen Davies | Partner | £250 | Solicitor |
| Joanne Hayes | Partner | £250 | Solicitor |
| Julie McDermott | Solicitor | £195 | Solicitor |
| Katrina Short | Solicitor | £175 | LLB; Solicitor |
| Kay Faulkner | Chartered Legal Executive | £175 | Chartered Legal Executive |
| Lisa Wilcock | Solicitor | £175 | Degree in Psychology at University of Surrey; Graduate Diploma in Law; Solicitor |
| Lloyd Hale | Partner | £250 | Solicitor |
| Louise Crockford | Associate | £190 | Chartered Legal Executive |
| Louise Evers | Property Advisor | £175 | Associate Chartered Legal Executive |
| Louise Garnsey | Chartered Legal Executive | £180 | Chartered Legal Executive |
| Lucy Davis | Legal Assistant | £125 | |
| Lucy Williams | Secretary | £110 | |
| Marie Cude | Property Advisor | £125 | |
| Marie Moore | Licensed Conveyancer | £180 | Licensed Conveyancer |
| Mark Carlisle | Partner | £250 | LLB |
| Mark Ollier | Partner | £250 | LLB; Solicitor |
| Oliver Poustie | Legal Assistant | £110 | LLB |
| Paula Land | Chartered Legal Executive | £190 | Chartered Legal Executive |
| Peter Mason | Solicitor | £200 | Solicitor |
| Philip Mole | Associate | £220 | Solicitor |
| Pippa Bruce | Licensed Conveyancer | £150 | Licensed Conveyancer |
| Rachael Jones | Residential Conveyancer | £175 | |
| Rebecca Stanbury | Solicitor | £195 | Solicitor |
| Richard Glanville | Solicitor | £180 | CPE Law; Solicitor; LLM Environmental Law |
| Rod Lewis | Solicitor | £210 | Solicitor |
| Sally Groom | Chartered Legal Executive | £175 | Chartered Legal Executive |
| Samantha Thompson | Partner | £250 | Solicitor |
| Sanjeev Harash | Partner | £250 | LLB Law; Post Grad Diploma in Legal Practice |
| Sharon Lightwood | Property Advisor | £175 | |
| Sophie Snell | Paralegal | £110 | |
| Suzanne Millage | Associate | £175 | CLC Licensed Conveyancer |
| Suzy Seaby | Residential Conveyancer | £185 | ILEX |
| Tanya Bornet | Conveyancer | £150 | Graduate Member of CILEX |
| Tracey Pearce | Partner | £250 | Solicitor |
| Yvonne Kellow | Associate | £195 | Chartered Legal Executive |
Applying for the grant, collecting and distributing the assets
Cost Information
The exact costs in administering an estate will depend on the individual circumstances and vary depending on the value and complexity of the estate, the number of assets and liabilities and the number and type of beneficiaries. No estate is the same, and so it is very difficult to accurately predict costs. For example, if there is only one beneficiary and no property, the costs will be lower than if there were several beneficiaries, a property and multiple bank accounts. For this reason, we ask that you contact us so that we ascertain full details of the estate and advise you of the scope of work required. By way of an example, below is an estimate of costs for dealing with the full administration of an uncontested estate with the following variables: –
• There is a valid Will with no Codicils and WBW Partners are not Executors
• There is no more than one property
• There is no more than one bank or building society account
• There are no other intangible assets
• There are no more than two beneficiaries and both are living in the UK.
• There are no disputes between beneficiaries and / Executors. If disputes arise this will lead to an increase in costs
• There is no inheritance tax payable and the Executors are submitting an Inheritance Tax Form 205 to HMRC.
• There are no claims made against the estate
• There are no foreign assets
| Type of Cost | Cost | VAT* |
| WBW Solicitors Legal Fees Hourly rates between £110 – £300 per hour depending on the legal expert providing the service |
£1,450 – £4,550 | Yes |
| Disbursements Probate application fee |
£273.00 | No |
| Bankruptcy-only Land Charges Department searches (per beneficiary) | £2.00 | Yes |
| ID Verification Search (per Executor) | £5.00 | Yes |
| Land Registry Office Copy Entries | £3.00 | Yes |
| Special Postage for Grant Application | £7.00 | No |
| Further Recommended Searches | ||
| Landmark Financial Assets Search – This searches for dormant or unknown assets | Approximately £135 | Yes |
| Post in the London Gazette and Local Newspaper – Protects against unexpected claims from unknown creditors | Approximately £200 | Yes |
| Certainty Will Search – This protects the Executors from the possibility that there is a more recent Will | Between £30 – £100 | Yes |
| Estimated Total Cost | Between £1,988 – £5,023 + VAT | |
| Our legal fee if we are to deal with only obtaining the Grant of Probate (disbursements will be applicable as above). | From £850 + VAT | |
| *VAT is charged at 20% on Services and Disbursements. |
Service Information
Our factsheet which is available here, provides information on the likely key stages undertaken and an estimate of the timescales.
| Any services not included in the price that you might reasonably be expected to pay for | Estimated Cost | VAT* |
| 1. Additional copies of the grant (if required, usually one per asset). | £1.50 | No |
| 2. Dealing with the sale or transfer of any property in the estate is not included in the price. | See Conveyancing Costs | Yes |
| 3. If there is no Will or the estate consists of any share holdings (stocks and bonds) there is likely to be additional costs that could range significantly depending on the estate and how it is to be dealt with. We can give you a more accurate quote once we have more information. | ||
| 4. Preparing tax returns and dealing with all taxation issues. We can give you a more accurate quote once we have more information. | ||
| *VAT is charged at 20% on Services and Disbursements. |
Legal Terminology and Definitions
Disbursements – Costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as the probate application fee. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.
Please note that the estimated costs quotation above is based upon the variables mentioned above. It may be that not all of the steps listed are necessary to be carried out. An administration requiring all of these steps will not therefore comply with the variables and costs will need to be amended as necessary.
Personnel Information
Private Charging Rates, Experience and Qualifications
If we do not work for you under the terms of a Legal Aid Certificate or Contingency Fee Agreement basis or fixed fee matter, we will charge you with the following schedule of fees, all charges listed below are subject to VAT. VAT is charged at 20% on Services and Disbursements.
| Fee Earner | Status | Hourly Rate | Qualifications |
| Head of Department – Catherine Causey | Partner | 250 | Solicitor; Full Member of STEP |
| Amy Read | Partner | 250 | Solicitor; ACTAPS; Full member of SFE |
| Miriam Saxl | Partner | 250 | Solicitor |
| Victoria Smyth | Partner | 250 | Solicitor |
| Susannah Bower | Partner | 250 | Solicitor; Full Member of STEP |
| Laura Brutti | Partner | 250 | Full Member of STEP |
| Matthew Cooper | Partner | 250 | Solicitor |
| Paul Watkins | Partner | 250 | LLB Law; Solicitor; STEP |
| Will Vine | Partner | 250 | Solicitor |
| Natalie Bowers | Associate | 215 | Solicitor |
| Stephen Craig | Associate | 215 | Associate Member of ILEX |
| Emma Davey | Associate | 230 | Fellow Legal Executive; Solicitor; Full member of STEP |
| Donna Rowland | Associate | 230 | Solicitor; Student Member of STEP |
| Caroline Maunder | Associate | 220 | Solicitor; Solicitors for the Elderly |
| Helen Goodwin | Associate | 220 | Chartered Legal Executive; Solicitors for the Elderly; Associate member of STEP |
| Laura Thompson | Associate | 220 | Solicitor; Solicitors for the Elderly; Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners |
| Lisa Stanton | Associate | 220 | Chartered Legal Executive |
| Lucy Steven | Associate | 220 | Solicitor |
| Nadia Kelley | Associate | 218 | Law Degree at Plymouth University; Chartered Legal Executive |
| Tracey Martin | Associate | 220 | Solicitor; STEP; Solicitors for the Elderly (SFE) |
| John Whiting | Senior Solicitor | 230 | Solicitor |
| Amanda Farley | Solicitor | 195 | LLB Law (Hons); LLM Masters in Legal Practice; Solicitor |
| Christina Richards | Solicitor | 230 | Solicitor |
| Jodie Barlow | Solicitor | 150 | Solicitor; Graduate Diploma in Law; MSc Law and Business |
| Karen Denham | Solicitor | 215 | Solicitor; Affiliate Member of STEP |
| Kathryn Akintunde | Solicitor | 150 | Solicitor; LLB (with hons); MSc in Law, Business and Management |
| Natalie Tonkins | Solicitor | 195 | LLB Law; Solicitor |
| Penny Jenner | Solicitor | 215 | English Degree; DIP Law; Solicitor; Full member of STEP |
| Penny Wood | Solicitor | 185 | Solicitor; Affiliate Member of STEP |
| Janice Courtenay | Chartered Legal Executive | 220 | Chartered Legal Executive; Solicitors for the Elderly |
| Tracey Granger | Chartered Legal Executive | 195 | Chartered Legal Executive |
| Roxanne Turner | Chartered Legal Executive | 215 | Fellow member of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives |
| Leanda Garton | Chartered Legal Executive | 215 | Chartered Legal Executive |
| Portia Woodhouse | Chartered Legal Executive | 215 | Chartered Legal Executive |
| Melissa Down | Chartered Legal Executive | 215 | Chartered Legal Executive |
| Jacqui Bell | Graduate Member of CILEX | 170-180 | |
| Billie Richards | Tax and Trust Administrator | 195 | Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT) |
| Tanya Jegorovskaja | Tax and Trust Administrator | 130 | Student of Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT) |
| Peter Richards | Litigation Advisor | 190 | LLB; LLM Gen.; BPTC |
| Fiona Luscombe | Notary | 220 | Solicitor; Notary |
| Kathryn Boyes | Private Client Advisor | 180 | Affiliate Member of STEP |
| Jane Porritt | Private Client Advisor | 195 | LLB; Solicitors for the Elderly |
| Emma Oakley | Private Client Advisor | 180 | CILEX Level 3 |
| Penny Evans | Private Client Advisor | 120 | Student member of CILEx; LPC |
| Amanda Angus | Legal Assistant | 126 | |
| Amber Jennings | Legal Assistant | 130 | Currently studying CILEX |
| Chris Woolmington | Legal Assistant | 126 | |
| Ellis Simpson-Lark | Legal Assistant | 130 | |
| Rachel Worthington | Legal Assistant | 120 – 130 | |
| Penny Tomlinson | Legal Assistant | 126 | Currently studying CILEX |
| Shana Broaders | Trainee Solicitor | 150 | BSc Graduate Diploma in Law; Lpc Llm |
| Sonia Maughan | Paralegal | 130 | |
| Kerri Hyland | Paralegal | 120 | |
| Malcolm Emery | Consultant | 300 |
Cost Information
Our pricing (see below) for bringing a claim for unfair or wrongful dismissal is based upon a simple case.
It should be expected that the cost will increase as the complexity of the case increases.
There are a number of factors that could make a case more complex, including but not limited to:
- If it is necessary to make or defend applications to amend claims or to provide further information about an existing claim
- Defending claims that are brought up by litigants in person
- Making or defending a costs application
- Complex preliminary issues such as whether the claimant is disabled (if this is not agreed by the parties)
- The number of witnesses and documents
- If it is an automatic unfair dismissal claim e.g. if you are dismissed after blowing the whistle on your employer
- Allegations of discrimination which are linked to the dismissal
| Legal Fee | Cost excluding VAT | VAT* |
| We anticipate it will take between 4 and 16 hours work prior to the hearing with hourly rates between £200-£230 per hour depending on the legal expert used | £800 – £3,680 | Yes |
| Our fee for attending the hearing (per day) Please note that sometimes counsel will agree to waive the need for our attendance as well at the hearing |
£800 – £1,840 | Yes |
| Disbursements Counsel Fee for representing you at the Hearing for a two-day hearing. (N.B. Additional charges of £650 – £950 per each additional day) |
£2,000 – £3,000 | Yes |
| Estimated Total Cost | Between £3,600 – £8,520 | Yes |
| *VAT is charged at 20% on Services and Disbursements. |
Medium – High Complexity Cases
For more complex cases you could reasonably expect additional costs which will depend on the circumstances of your case and the length of the hearing. The additional costs could be upwards of £5,000.00 for unfair dismissal claims or £10,000 if allegations of discrimination are also made.
Other funding options available
Contingency Fee Agreement (CFA) Available
CFA available dependent on merit. This type of agreement is often referred to as a no win no fee agreement. For employment claims we would normally agree a percentage of a 35% inc of VAT.
Fixed Fee
Fixed Fee’s can be arranged by speaking to one of our legal experts and disclosing all important information pertinent to the case. We will then assess the complexity of the case and give you a fixed fee based on what you have told us.
Insurance
Often there is insurance funding available through your home buildings or contents insurance policy which we can assist with putting in place. If insurance cover is available and can be put in place, then the cost to you would be modest. There might be an excess to pay to the insurance company and our costs for assisting with putting the cover in place might be 2-4 hours work, so £400 – £920 plus vat
Service Information
| Key Stages of Process | Time Spent on Each Stage | Timescales |
| Starting a claim | 1 – 4 hours | 7 – 14 days |
| Assess the response to your claim | 2 – 4 hours | 7 – 14 days |
| Preparing for the hearing | 6 – 10 hours | 2 – 6 months |
| The Hearing | 1 – 10 days depending on complexity | 4 – 8 months |
Legal Terminology and Definitions
Disbursements – Costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as the council fee. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.
Personnel Information
Private Charging Rates, Experience and Qualifications
If we do not work for you under the terms of a Legal Aid Certificate or Contingency Fee Agreement basis or fixed fee matter, we will charge you with the following schedule of fees, all charges listed below are subject to VAT. VAT is charged at 20% on Services and Disbursements.
| Fee Earner | Status | Hourly Rate | Qualifications |
| Head of Employment – Kerry Curd | Partner | £250 | Solicitor; BA Hons Degree |
| James Edmonds | Solicitor | £220 | Solicitor;Bsc Hons Degree |
| Justin Osborne | Partner | £250 | Solicitor; LLB Hons Degree |
Cost Information
Our pricing (see below) for defending a claim for unfair or wrongful dismissal is based upon a simple case.
It should be expected that the cost will increase as the complexity of the case increases.
There are a number of factors that could make a case more complex, including but not limited to:
- If it is necessary to make or defend applications to amend claims or to provide further information about an existing claim
- Defending claims that are brought up by litigants in person
- Making or defending a costs application
- Complex preliminary issues such as whether the claimant is disabled (if this is not agreed by the parties)
- The number of witnesses and documents
- If it is an automatic unfair dismissal claim e.g. if you are dismissed after blowing the whistle on your employer
- Allegations of discrimination which are linked to the dismissal
| Legal Fees | Cost | VAT* |
| We anticipate it will take between 4 and 16 hours work prior to the hearing with hourly rates between £200 – £230 per hour depending on the legal expert used | £800 – £3,680 | Yes |
| Our fee for attending the hearing (per day) Please note that sometimes counsel will agree to waive the need for our attendance as well at the hearing |
£800 – £1,840 | Yes |
| Disbursements Counsel Fee for representing you at the Hearing. Brief Fee (N.B. Additional charges of £650 – £950 per each additional day) |
£2,500 – £3,500 | Yes |
| Estimated Total Cost | Between £4,100 – £9,020 | Yes |
| *VAT is charged at 20% on Services and Disbursements. |
Medium – High Complexity Cases
For more complex cases you could reasonably expect additional costs which will depend on the circumstances of your case and the length of the hearing. The additional costs could be upwards of £5,000.00 for unfair dismissal claims or £10,000 if allegations of discrimination are also made.
Other funding options available
Fixed Fee
Fixed Fee’s can be arranged by speaking to one of our legal experts and disclosing all important information pertinent to the case. We will then assess the complexity of the case and give you a fixed fee based on what you have told us.
Insurance
You may have your own insurance arrangements in place such as through your business insurance or employers liability.
Service Information
| Key Stages of Process | Time Spent on Each Stage | Timescales |
| Initial assessment of the claim | 1 – 3 hours | 7 – 14 days |
| Prepare and issue a response to the claim | 1 – 4 hours | 7 – 28 days |
| Preparing for the hearing | 2 – 10 hours | 4 – 6 months |
| The Hearing | 1 – 10 days depending on complexity | 4 – 8 months |
Legal Terminology and Definitions
Disbursements – Costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as the council fee. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.
Personnel Information
Private Charging Rates, Experience and Qualifications
If we do not work for you under the terms of a Legal Aid Certificate or Contingency Fee Agreement basis or fixed fee matter, we will charge you with the following schedule of fees, all charges listed below are subject to VAT. VAT is charged at 20% on Services and Disbursements.
| Fee Earner | Status | Hourly Rate | Qualifications |
| Head of Employment – Kerry Curd | Partner | £250 | Solicitor; BA Hons Degree |
| James Edmonds | Solicitor | £220 | Solicitor; BSc Hons Degree |
| Justin Osborne | Partner | £250 | Solicitor; LLB Hons Degree |
Cost Information
Below you will find our legal fees and likely disbursements for Debt Recovery up to £100,000.
| Legal Fees | Cost | VAT* |
| Failed Pre-Action | £50 – £150 (dependent on claim amount) | Yes |
| Issue Proceedings | £75 – £500 (dependent on claim amount) | Yes |
| Obtaining Judgment | £60 – £80 | Yes |
| *VAT is charged at 20% on Services and Disbursements. |
| Enforcing Judgment Legal Fees | Cost | VAT* |
| Order for Questioning | £200 | Yes |
| Attachment of Earnings | £200 | Yes |
| Third Part Debt Order | £200 | Yes |
| Charging Order | £500 | Yes |
| Warrant of Control | £150 | Yes |
| Writ of Control | £150 | Yes |
| Statutory Demand | £150 | Yes |
| Bankruptcy Petition | £600 | Yes |
| Winding Up Petition | £700 | Yes |
| *VAT is charged at 20% on Services and Disbursements. |
| Disbursements | Cost | VAT* |
| Court Fees | Please refer to HMCTS website (dependent on claim amount) | No |
| Tracing Fees | From £75 | No |
| Office Copy Entry Fee | £3 | Yes |
| Process Server Fees | £100 | No |
| Writ Enforcement Officer Abortive Fee | £90 | Yes |
| Advocate fees | http://www.lpc-law.co.uk/media/255986/Fee-Card-2018-v1-030818.pdf | Yes |
| Affidavit fee | £5 plus £2 per exhibit | Yes |
| Official Receiver’s fee | Please refer to HMCTS website | No |
| Estimated Overall Cost | £3,308 – £3,853 + VAT + Disbursements without the cost listed | |
| *VAT is charged at 20% on Services and Disbursements. |
Service Information
| Key Stages of Process | Time Spent on Each Stage |
| Pre-action checks | 1 hour |
| Sending a letter before action | 30 minutes |
| Issuing legal proceedings | 1 hour |
| Obtaining and enforcing judgment | 30 minutes |
| Recovery of interest | 30 minutes |
| Telephone collections | 1 hour |
| High Court Enforcement / bailiffs | 3 hours |
| Third party debt orders | 3 hours |
| Attachment of earnings orders | 3 hours |
| Charging Order | 4 hours |
| Warrant of Control | 2 hours |
| Writ of Control | 2 hours |
| Statutory Demand | 2 hours |
| Bankruptcy Petition | 5 hours |
| Winding Up Petition | 7 hours |
Legal Terminology and Definitions
Disbursements – Costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as the court fee. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.
Useful Links
https://www.gov.uk/court-fees-what-they-are
Personnel Information
Private Charging Rates, Experience and Qualifications
If we do not work for you under the terms of a Legal Aid Certificate or Contingency Fee Agreement basis or fixed fee matter, we will charge you with the following schedule of fees, all charges listed below are subject to VAT. VAT is charged at 20% on Services and Disbursements.
| Fee Earner | Status | Hourly Rate | Qualifications |
| Head of Debt Recovery – Portia Woodhouse | Chartered Legal Executive | £215 | LLB; BVC; FCILEx |
| Justin Osborne | Partner | £250 | Solicitor; LLB Hons Degree |
| Jenny Kemp | Associate | £230 | Solicitor |
| Kate Maslen | Partner | £230 | BA Hons; Solicitor |
| Thomas Lewis | Associate Solicitor | £220 | LLB; LPC; Civil and Commercial Accredited Mediator; Civil Higher Rights; Post Graduate Certificate in Commercial Law |
| Timothy Selley | Partner | £250 | LLB Law; Solicitor |
| Stephanie Wintle | Chartered Legal Executive | £175 | FCILEx |