Dealing with a loved one’s estate after they die is one of the most emotionally draining experiences there is. The last thing you need is confusion about costs, legal processes and what happens next. Edith Longden and our Wills and Probate team at Manners Pimblett Solicitors are here to make probate as straightforward and stress-free as possible — with complete transparency on costs from the very start.
In this guide we answer the most common questions we hear from families across Poynton, Cheadle, Stockport and Cheshire about probate — what it is, what it costs, and how we can help.
What Is Probate? I Don’t Understand the Process
When someone dies, their estate — everything they owned, including property, savings, investments and personal possessions — needs to be collected, any debts paid, and what remains distributed to the people named in their Will. The legal process that allows this to happen is the administration of the Estate, including the official proving of a Will — Probate.
A Grant of Probate is a legal document issued by the Probate Registry that gives the executors named in the Will the legal authority to deal with the estate. Without a Grant of Probate, banks, financial institutions and the Land Registry may not release or transfer assets over a certain value.
The key stages of the probate process are:
- Registering the death and obtaining death certificates
- Locating the Will and identifying the executors
- Valuing the estate — property, savings, investments, possessions and debts
- Completing Inheritance Tax forms and paying any IHT due
- Applying to the Probate Registry for the Grant of Probate
- Collecting in assets, paying debts and distributing the estate to beneficiaries
I Don’t Know How Much Probate Will Cost
Legal Fees
Probate legal fees are one of the biggest sources of anxiety for families dealing with an estate. The fear of open-ended hourly rates, unexpected disbursements and a final bill far higher than anticipated is understandable — and it puts many people off seeking professional help when they need it most.
Our typical fees for probate are as follows:
| Service | Fee Range + VAT | Total Inc. VAT |
|---|---|---|
| Straightforward estate (no IHT) | £1,800 – £4,000 + VAT | £2,160 – £4,800 |
| Complex estates involving IHT | Estimated individually at outset | |
| Probate Registry fee (disbursement) | £300 + £16 per copy Grant | |
Do I Need a Solicitor for Probate?
It is possible to apply for probate yourself — and for very simple estates with straightforward finances, some people do. But for most estates, the risks of getting it wrong significantly outweigh the cost of professional help.
Common problems with DIY probate include:
- Incorrectly valuing the estate — leading to underpayment of Inheritance Tax and potential penalties from HMRC
- Missing assets — particularly digital assets, pension death benefits and jointly owned property
- Distributing assets too early — before all debts and liabilities have been identified and settled
- Personal liability — executors can be held personally liable for mistakes made during the probate process
- Family disputes — without professional guidance, disagreements between beneficiaries can escalate quickly
I’m Worried About Inheritance Tax — Will the Estate Owe a Lot?
Inheritance Tax is charged at 40% on the value of an estate above the nil rate band threshold — currently £325,000 per person, with additional allowances available in certain circumstances. For many families, particularly those who own property in Cheshire, it can be a very real concern.
The key Inheritance Tax thresholds to be aware of are:
- Nil rate band: £325,000 — no IHT on the first £325,000
- Residence nil rate band: Up to £175,000 additional allowance if you leave your home to direct descendants
- Spouse exemption: Assets left to a spouse or civil partner are generally exempt from IHT
- Transferable nil rate band: Unused allowances can be transferred between spouses
I Am Concerned How Long the Process Is Taking
Probate can take time — particularly where estates are complex, property is involved or HMRC requires detailed information about the estate’s value. There may be a wide range of assets and asset holders to deal with, and shares may need to be sold or transferred.
Typical timescales for probate are:
- Simple estates with no property or IHT: 3 to 6 months
- Estates involving property: 6 to 12 months
- Complex estates involving IHT or disputes: 12 months or more
You Don’t Have to Face Probate Alone
Dealing with a loved one’s estate is never easy — but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right legal support, probate can be handled efficiently, transparently and with the minimum of stress for you and your family.
At Manners Pimblett Solicitors, Edith Longden and our Wills and Probate team have helped families across Poynton, Cheadle, Stockport and Cheshire through the probate process for many years. We bring expertise, empathy and complete transparency on costs to every matter we handle.
Do not hesitate to seek early advice — the sooner you contact us, the sooner we can help ease the burden.
Speak to Edith Longden Today
If you are dealing with a loved one’s estate in Poynton, Cheadle, Stockport or the wider Cheshire area, contact Edith Longden at Manners Pimblett Solicitors for clear, compassionate advice and a transparent fee estimate.
📞 01625 850888 | ✉ info@mannerspimblett.co.uk
Offices in Poynton and Cheadle, serving clients across Stockport, Cheshire and the surrounding area.