Fees
Fixed fees for most things. Most of what we do is quoted as a single fixed fee, agreed in writing before we start, so you know the cost before you commit. For example: a simple will and lasting powers of attorney for one person, £500; for a couple, £1,000 — and the couple's package can include a property protection trust or a discretionary trust in the will where that is the right thing to do. Drafts are emailed, or posted for those who prefer paper. Nothing is charged beyond what has been agreed.
The first meeting. A fixed £180 for up to an hour, online or in person, paid when you book. It includes the fact-find and a letter afterwards setting out what we discussed, what we found, what we recommend and what it would cost. If you cancel with less than 48 hours' notice the fee is not refunded; with more notice, it is.
How payment works. The £180 for the first meeting is paid when you book. If you go ahead, it counts towards the work: the agreed fee less the £180 is paid on account before drafting starts. Once you have approved the drafts and we are ready to post the originals, the third-party fees — for example the Office of the Public Guardian's registration fee for each power of attorney — are paid, and the originals go out. So for a couple taking the full package: £180 at booking, £820 on agreeing the quote, then the registration fees when the documents are ready.
Hourly work. Larger estates — land, several properties, or an estate that needs a full inheritance tax account (the IHT400) — and estate administration support are charged at £180 per hour, in half-hour units, against a written estimate, because the work depends on what is found.
Third-party costs are charged separately at cost — the Office of the Public Guardian's fee to register each lasting power of attorney, court fees, and the like. We tell you what these are before they arise.
VAT is not charged at present.