Court fees payable to obtain a grant of probate are set to increase significantly as of May.
There is a lot of concern amongst lawyers as to who will be able to afford to pay the fee. Typically the fee payable to obtain the grant of probate often has to be paid out by the executor personally, as they can not access the deceased’s bank accounts until they have the grant of probate. So whilst the executor is eventually reimbursed our of the deceased’s estate for the fee paid, there is still the initial expense to be met.
However the fees are set to increase with new levels ranging from £300 to £20,000 depending on the value of the estate – and will be in addition to inheritance tax. Some are labelling it as a ‘stealth tax’ targeting the bereaved.
You can read more about this in the article below, but if you have any concerns we would urge you to contact us as soon as possible to talk with one of our probate lawyers
At our Crewe Office: Alison Greatbanks on either 01270 21200 or agreatbanks@hswsolicitors.co.uk
At our Nantwich Office: Angela Lewis on either 01270 610300 or alewis@hswsolicitors.co.uk and Hugh Lewis-Morgan on 01270 610300 or hlewis-morgan@hswsolicitors.co.uk
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4299384/Death-tax-stealth-rake-1-5billion.html
