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CWC can assist you with buying and selling, mortgaging or re-mortgaging your residential property We are Lexcel and Conveyancing Quality Scheme Accredited which are schemes run by the Law Society to ensure management of our firm and the services we offer to clients meet certain standards.
The fees you will pay if we assist you in your transaction can be broken down as follows:
Conveyancer’s fees and disbursements
CWC Conveyancing Fees
| Purchase | Please see below to see details of the service included in the price |
| Value | Freehold |
| Up to £200,000 | £975.00 + VAT (£195.00) = £1,170.00 |
| £200,000.01 – £300,000 | £1,075.00 + VAT (£215.00) = £1,290.00 |
| £300,000.01 – £400,000 | £1,275. 00 + VAT (£255.00) = £1,530.00 |
| £400,000.01 – £500,000 | £1,475. 00 + VAT (£295.00) = £1,770.00 |
| £500,000.01 – £600,000 | £1,675. 00 + VAT (£335.00) = £2,010.00 |
| £600,000.01 – £700,000 | £1,875. 00 + VAT (£375.00) = £2,250.00 |
£700,000.01 +
| not more than .30% of sale/purchase price + VAT |
| Sale | Please see below to see details of the service included in the price |
| Up to £200,000 | £950.00 + VAT (£190.00) = £1,140.00 |
| £200,000.01 – £300,000 | £1,050.00 + VAT (£210.00) = £1,260.00 |
| £300,000.01 – £400,000 | £1,250. 00 + VAT (£250.00) = £1,500.00 |
| £400,000.01 – £500,000 | £1,350. 00 + VAT (£270.00) = £1,620.00 |
| £500,000.01 – £600,000 | £1,550 00 + VAT (£310.00) = £1,860.00 |
| £600,000.01 – £700,000 | £1,750. 00 + VAT (£350.00) = £2,100.00 |
| £700,000.01 + | not more than .30% of sale/purchase price + VAT |
| Please see below to see details of the service included in the price | |||
| Remortgage | Freehold – Individual | Leasehold – Individual | |
Finance up to £250,000 Finance up to £500,000 Finance above £500,000 | £845.00 + VAT (£169.00) = £1,014.00 £945.00 + VAT (£189.00) = £1,134.00 £1,150.00+VAT(£230.00)=£1,380.00 | £1,045.00 + VAT (£209.00) = £1,254.00 £1,245.00 + VAT (£249.00) = £1,494.00 £1,450.00 + VAT (£290.00) = £1,740.00 | |
| Lifetime Mortgages/Equity Release | £995.00 + VAT (£199.00) = £1,194.00 | ||
| Please see below to see details of the service included in the price | |||
| Freehold – Company | Leasehold – Company | ||
£1,345.00 + VAT (£269.00) = £1,614.00 £1,445.00 + VAT (£289.00) = £1,734.00 £1,650.00+VAT(£330.00)=£1,980.00 | £1,495.00 + VAT (£299.00) = £1,794.00 £1,695.00 + VAT (£339.00) = £2,034.00 £1,950.00 + VAT (£390.00) = £2,340.00 | ||
| Lifetime Mortgages/Equity Release | £995.00 + VAT (£199.00) = £1,194.00 | ||
| Transfer of Equity | Please see below to see details of the service included in the price |
| Stand Alone Transaction | £745.00 + VAT (£149.00) = £894.00 |
| With related Mortgage Transaction | £845.00 + VAT (£169.00) = £1,014.00.00 |
| Voluntary First Registration | Please see below to see details of the service included in the price |
| Minimum fee | £700.00 + VAT (£140.00) = £840.00* |
| *Fee Earner to check Deeds for complexity | |
| T/T / Bank Fee | |
| Telegraphic Transfer (TT) Fee | £45.00 + £9.00 VAT = £54.00 |
| BACS Fee | £20.00 + £4.00 VAT = £24.00 |
| Description of additional fee | Amount of additional fee | Comments |
| Fee for dealing with a property that is not connected to mains water and has a private supply | £200.00 plus £40.00 VAT = £240.00 | |
| Fee for dealing with a property that is not connected to mains foul water drainage and sewerage is provided by a septic tank or cesspit | £250.00 plus £50.00 VAT = £300.00 | |
| Fee for dealing with a property which is located on a private road | £100.00 plus £20.00 VAT = £120.00 | |
| Fee for acting when there is a Bridging Lender | £1,000.00 plus £200.00 VAT = £1,200.00 | |
| Help to Buy ISA | £50.00 plus £10.00 VAT = £60.00 | Cost per ISA |
| Lifetime ISA | £125.00 plus £25.00 VAT = £150.00 | Cost per ISA |
| Fee for dealing with Forces Help to Buy Deposit | £95.00 plus £19.00 VAT = £114.00 | |
| Fee for dealing with a Gifted Deposit | £75.00 plus £15.00 VAT = £90.00 | Cost per Gift. Please note that an ID check will need to be carried out on all donors at £15.00 plus £3.00 VAT (£18.00) per person along with a bankruptcy search at £6.00 plus £1.20 VAT (£7.20) per person. We will also need to verify Source of funds and if this is done through Thirdfort there will be an additional fee of £10.00 plus VAT (£12.00) |
| Leasehold surcharge | £500.00 plus £100.00 VAT (minimum fee) = £600.00 | |
| New Build surcharge | £600.00 (£500.00 plus £100.00 VAT) to £1,200.00 (£1,000.00 plus £200.00 VAT) | Price dependent on volume of documentation |
| Shared Ownership surcharge | £500.00 plus £100.00 VAT = £600.00 | |
| Fee for researching and implementing an indemnity policy | £50.00 plus £10.00 VAT = £60.00 | |
| Fee for dealing with a Government Help to Buy on a purchase | £495.00 plus £99.00 VAT = £594.00 | |
| Fee for redeeming a Government Help to Buy charge as per of a sale transaction | £150.00 plus £30.00 VAT (minimum fee) = £180.00 | |
| Fee for dealing with additional third-party solicitor | £150.00 plus £30.00 VAT (minimum fee) = £180.00 | Fee may be higher than minimum depending on the amount of additional work required |
| Fee for dealing with solicitor representing mortgage lender (this occurs when the lender does not approve our firm to represent them as well as you) | £750.00 plus £150.00 VAT (minimum fee) = £900.00 | |
| Fee for dealing with a Transfer of Part (TP1) as opposed to the standard Transfer of Whole (TR1) | £200.00 plus £40.00 VAT (minimum fee) = £240.00 | Price dependent on complexity |
| Fee for dealing with property with tenant in situ | £300.00 plus £60.00 VAT (per tenancy) = £360.00 | |
| Fee for reviewing and reporting on a solar panel Lease | £750.00 plus £150.00 VAT = £900.00 | |
| Fee for dealing with solar panels on Purchase | £150.00 plus £30.00 VAT = £180.00 | |
| Fee for dealing with Sale subject to Solar Panels | £150.00 plus £30.00 VAT = £180.00 | |
| Additional fee on sale if the property is covered by the Building Safety Act 2022 | £550.00 plus £110.00 VAT = £660.00 | |
| Additional fee on purchase if the property is covered by the Building Safety Act 2022 | £1,500.00 plus £300.00 VAT = £1,800.00 | |
| Additional fee where the property consists of more than one title | £250.00 plus £50.00 VAT = £300.00 | Cost per title |
| Fee for preparing a Key Undertaking | £50.00 plus £10.00 VAT = £60.00 | |
| Fee for drafting a Statutory Declaration | £150.00 plus £30.00 VAT (minimum fee) = £180.00 | Price dependent on complexity |
| Fee for drafting a Declaration of Trust | £450.00 plus £90.00 VAT (minimum fee) = £540.00 | Price dependent on complexity |
| Fee for dealing with a management company on a freehold purchase or sale | £300.00 plus £60.00 VAT = £360.00 (per management company) | |
| Fee for dealing with a leasehold garage when the purchase property is freehold | £350.00 plus £70.00 VAT = £420.00 | |
| Fee for dealing with unregistered land | £300.00 plus £36.00 VAT (minimum fee) = £360.00 | |
| Fee for investigating boundary issues | £150.00 plus £30.00 VAT (minimum fee) = £180.00 | Price dependent on complexity |
| Fee relating to a Deed of Variation | £750.00 plus £150.00 VAT = £900.00 (drafting)(minimum fee) £350.00 plus £70.00 VAT = £420.00 (reviewing)(minimum fee) | Price dependent on complexity |
| Expedition fee (less than 5 working days between exchange and completion) | £150.00 plus £30.00 VAT = £180.00 | |
| Additional Thirdfort ID check if required for a third party | £15.00 plus £3.00 VAT = £18.00 | |
| Additional Thirdfort Source of funds check if required for a third party | £10.00 plus £2.00 VAT = £12.00 | |
| Additional electronic Bank Transfer Fee (CHAPS) if required | £45.00 plus £9.00 VAT (per transfer) = £54.00 | |
| Additional BACS bank transfer fee if required | £20.00 plus £4.00 VAT (per transfer) = £24.00 |
CWC Common Disbursements for Domestic Conveyancing
These are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.
*These fees vary from property to property and can on occasion be significantly more than the range given above. We can only give you an accurate figure once we have contacted the freeholder/managing agents for the property.
In leasehold or rent charge purchase transactions the following fee may apply:
* These fees vary from property to property and can on occasion be significantly more than the ranges given above. We can only give you an accurate figure once we have sight of the specific documents for the property.
Referral fees – In some circumstances clients are referred to us by a third party and we may pay that third party a referral fee. If this is applicable to your transaction then full details will be included in our terms of business letter. We pay this fee and it does not affect the total amount charged to you.
Stages of the process – Purchasing a residential property
Purchase of an average freehold residential property
Our standard legal fee includes the following work:
Our standard legal fee is on the basis that:
Purchase of an average leasehold residential property
Our standard legal fee includes the following work:
Our standard legal fee is on the basis that:
Stages of the process – Selling your residential property
Sale of an average freehold residential property
Our standard legal fee includes the following work:
Our standard legal fee is on the basis that:
Sale of an average leasehold residential property
Our standard legal fee includes the following work:
Our standard legal fee is on the basis that:
Stages of the process – Remortgage a residential property
An Average Mortgage or re-mortgage of residential property
Our standard legal fee includes the following work:
Our standard legal fee is on the basis that:
Stages of the process – Voluntary First Registration
Our standard legal fee includes the following work:
Stages of the process – Transfer of Equity
Our standard legal fee includes the following work:
Timescales
How long will my house sale/purchase take?
How long it will take from an offer being accepted until you can move out of or into your home will depend on a number of factors. The average process takes between 3 and 4 months.
It can be quicker or slower, depending on the parties in the chain. For example, if you are a first time buyer, purchasing a property which is vacant, it could take 4 to 6 weeks. However, if you are buying or selling a leasehold property that requires an extension of the lease, this can take significantly longer, between 3 and 6 months. In such a situation, additional charges would apply.
How long will my mortgage or re-mortgage take?
How long it will take from receiving a mortgage offer to completion of the mortgage will depend on a number of factors. The average process takes between 1 and 2 months. It can be quicker or slower, depending on whether your lender requires conveyancing searches to be carried out or will accept no search insurance. Your lender may also impose conditions in the mortgage offer which must be complied with before completion can take place.
Here at CWC we offer two types of service to assist in the administration of an estate:
We have set out a guide to our fees below, but should you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact us.
This fee guide does not cover probate matters where there is a foreign element (such as a foreign Will or assets abroad) or any litigation including a claim against the estate.
We offer a simple Grant application only service, whereby we will prepare the IHT form and Statement of Truth (formerly the Oath) using the information that you supply to us, as well as overseeing execution of the documents and then applying to the Probate Registry. On receipt of the Grant, this would be provided to you in order that you could collect in the assets.
Our fees are dependant on whether an IHT 205 or IHT 400 is required as well as whether the application requires a paper probate application PA1 (Intestate estates etc) or can be completed online.
In cases where an IHT 205 ONLINE probate application is required then we charge a fixed fee of £950.00 + £190.00 VAT (Total £1,140.00) + disbursements.
In situations where an urgent application for a Grant is required (urgent requiring us to submit the Grant application within 3 weeks of receiving information/ instruction) £1,200.00 + £240.00 VAT (£1,440.00)
For cases where an IHT 205 can be completed but involves a paper probate application we charge £1,100.00 + £220.00 VAT (£1,320.00).
This fixed fee service is available in circumstances where all the asset information including valuations of the assets will be obtained by the Executors and PR’s. If an application is required urgently then we reserve the right to charge an additional fee for the urgency of the work.
As part of our Grant only service, we will:
Depending on the circumstances, we may have to make an additional charge should we be required to undertake additional work, which would not be part of the standard Grant only application such as:
deceased spouse, copy Will and or copy Grant where relevant, estate accounts or information about the estate when the first spouse died.
= £360.00 to £720.00 Total, depending on complexity).
This list is not exhaustive as each situation can be unique but covers a wide range of issues which may be encountered.
In addition to our fees, the following Disbursements (costs relating to your matter that are payable to third parties such as court fees) may be payable depending on the circumstances:
On average, simple Grant only applications, take 4 – 6 weeks to complete once we have received all the information required. On submitting to the Probate Registry , it can take anywhere between 12 – 20 weeks for them to process and issue. Online applications are currently processed quicker by the Probate Registry than paper applications. Whilst we can ask if they can expedite the application in exceptional circumstances, there is no guarantee than the registry will do so.
In cases where an IHT 400 is required, on a Grant only application, then our fees will vary depending on the complexity of the assets, the allowances available, and whether any Inheritance Tax is payable.
Our fees would be based on our hourly rate, with a minimum fee of £1500.00 + £300.00 VAT (£1,800.00) being charged. On average our fees for this type of service are anywhere between £1,500.00 + £300.00 VAT to £3,000
+ £600.00 VAT (£1,800.00 to £3,600.00 Total). If an application is required urgently then we reserve the right to charge an additional fee for the urgency of the work.
For a basic Grant only service, involving an IHT 400, we will:
Depending on the circumstances, we may have to undertake additional work, which would mean our costs are at the higher end of the outlined estimate, including but not limited to:
£500.00 + £100.00 VAT (£240.00 to £600.00 Total) depending on the complexity of the statement required).
£100.00 VAT (£240.00 to £600.00 Total) OR a s116 application (£300.00 + £60.00 VAT to £600.00 +
£120.00 VAT (£360.00 to £720.00 Total) depending on complexity).
This list is not exhaustive as each situation can be unique but covers a wide range of issues which may be encountered.
In addition to our fees, the following Disbursements (costs relating to your matter that are payable to third parties such as court fees) may be payable depending on the circumstances:
On average, Grant only applications involving an IHT 400, can take anywhere between 2 – 8 weeks to complete, once we have received all the information required.
If the application is a straightforward IHT 400, with no IHT payable, then we need a few weeks to prepare the paperwork (1 – 4 weeks) and arrange for you to sign the forms, then the IHT 400 is submitted to HMRC.
For estates where there are more complex matters such as APR/BPR, Gifting, or an estate is taxable then we would need between 2 – 8 weeks to prepare the forms (once we have all information). Once signed, these forms are then submitted to HMRC along with payment of the IHT liability.
HMRC reserve the right to return to review the forms and query the information for up to 20 weeks.
HMRC are taking up to 25 working days to process IHT 400’s and then issue a unique code that will enable the Grant application to be submitted. We are restricted from applying for the Grant until we receive the IHT 421 (old pre Jan 24 estates) or the unique code from HMRC.
Applications are then submitted to the Probate Registry. Online applications are taking between 8 to 12 weeks to process if there are no stops, or issues raised. Paper/ Postal applications are still taking on average up to 16 weeks to process.
In circumstances where we are instructed to assist with the full administration of an estate, we have outlined below how we calculate our fees for assisting but please be aware that for estates involving foreign elements, assets outside of the UK, or contested estates, where claims may arise, you will need to contact us direct for an estimate.
The costs you are likely to pay from the estate for its administration are based upon the following:
Please note that any conveyancing costs relating to the sale or disposal of a property from the estate, are not included in our costs estimate, and we refer you to our conveyancing costs information sheets on our website.
The Wills and Probate department current hourly rates range between £120.00 + £24.00 VAT (£144.00 total) per hour for our legal assistants/legal secretaries to £375.00 + £75.00 VAT (£450.00 Total) per hour for a Partner/ Senior Solicitor with a min of 10 years PQE. The individual fee earners rate will depend on experience on seniority.
This rate is designed to cover the cost of the time expended. Letters and telephone calls involving a time of six minutes or less are charged at 1/10th of the hourly rate, and letters and telephone calls involving periods of time in excess of six minutes are charged on a time basis.
Biographies for all the Fee Earners outlined above, can be seen by clicking on the link below
At the outset of any instruction, we would provide you with an estimate of our fees, based on the time we expect the administration to take at our hourly rate. This estimate would be influenced by several factors (although this list is not exhaustive):
On average our professional fees to administer an estate will range from between £1,500.00 plus £300.00 VAT (£1,800.00 Total) (in cases where there is no property, a few bank accounts and 1 or 2 beneficiaries) to £20,000 plus £4,000.00 VAT (£24,000.00 Total) (cases with Inheritance tax payable, completion of an IHT 400, multiple beneficiaries, complex assets including property and shares and businesses). The exact cost will depend on the individual circumstances of the matter.
Examples of varying charges:
Very Small estates – £2,000.00 plus £400.00 VAT (£2,400.00 Total) to £3,000.00 plus £600.00 VAT (£3,600.00) approx. Grant application with Will available, no property, couple of bank accounts to close, no more than 3 pensions, finalising utilities on rental property etc. Based upon the estate being solvent and no disputes.
Average estate – £3,000.00 plus £600.00 VAT (£3,600.00 Total) to £7,000.00 plus £1,400.00 VAT (£8,400.00). Grant required including on Intestacy, estate is solvent and valued at less than current nil rate band of £325,000 or 100% of Transferable nil rate band available, one property to dispose of, no more than 5 bank accounts, up to 5 legacies, no more than 5 residuary beneficiaries, and no trust interests, no disputes or claims arising, no IHT payable, a detailed IHT 400 is not required.
Medium/ more complex estates – £6,000.00 plus £1,200.00 (£7,200.00 Total) to £10,000 + £2,000.00 VAT (£12,000 Total). Grant required including on Intestacy, IHT 400 required with or without IHT liability, one property to dispose of, no more than 5 bank accounts, no more than 5 separate shareholdings/investments, up to 5 legacies, no more than 5 residuary beneficiaries, and no trust interests, based on estate being solvent, no disputes or claims arising.
Large/ Complex estates – £10,000 plus £2,000 VAT (£12,000.00) to £20,000 plus £4,000.00 VAT (£24,000 Total). Grant required, IHT 400 required with IHT liability, no more than 3 properties to dispose of, no more than 10 bank accounts, there are other assets such as shares or investments, up to 10 legacies, no more than 10 residuary beneficiaries, based on estate being solvent, no disputes or claims arising.
Very large / complex estates – in excess of £20,000 + £4,000.00 VAT (£24,000.00 Total).
Grant required, IHT 400 required and IHT payable, cases where businesses or agricultural assets involved, foreign assets, more than 3 properties, estates where value exceeds £2million, multiple investments and or shareholdings, multiple legatees or residuary beneficiaries, trust implications, based on estate being solvent and no dispute or claim arising.
Our professional fees do not include any tax payable by the estate, which is a separate liability. Any costs for dealing with the sale or transfer of any property in the estate is not included in our estimate and a separate quotation would be obtained from our Conveyancing department.
As part of our Full Administration service, we would normally undertake the following (if applicable):
We have listed below, although this is not an exhaustive list, work which is not typical of a standard estate administration and would therefore likely result in our fees being at the higher end of our professional fee estimate:
In addition to our fees, the following disbursements would be payable:
Where the Partners in the firm are appointed as the executors, then we will always undertake Bankruptcy searches against beneficiaries at a cost of £6 + vat per beneficiary (for searches in England) and for foreign bankruptcy searches, a price will be obtained on request.
Certainty National Will Register Search – ranging between £45.00 + £9.00 VAT to £120 + £24.00 VAT (£54.00 – £144.00 Total)
A search of the National Will Register is good practice and proves that the personal representatives have taken reasonable steps to ensure they are acting under and distributing in accordance with the deceased’s most recent Will. There are two tiers of service available; a Will Register search (£49.00 plus VAT) will check the online registered Wills only, and the Combined Will search (£105 plus VAT) checks the online registered Wills as well as performing a national search for unregistered Wills.
We recommend that before any money is paid to a beneficiary (whether a legatee or a residuary beneficiary), a bankruptcy search is conducted against them. If a beneficiary is a bankrupt, they may not be allowed to receive funds from an estate. Instead, the funds may need to be declared (and possibly paid) to the Trustee in Bankruptcy. The executor would be held legally responsible if they paid money to the bankrupt beneficiary rather than paying it to the trustee in bankruptcy. In such cases, if the bankrupt puts the assets beyond the reach of the Trustee in Bankruptcy, there is a real risk that the Trustee in Bankruptcy, on behalf of the bankrupt’s creditors, will claim compensation against the personal representatives.
Cost:-
Searches can be carried out at the Land Charges Department to establish whether, within the previous five years, the beneficiary was subject to a bankruptcy order, unless a Court order cancelling the registration has been made. This fee is properly payable from the residue of the Estate and is in addition to the legal costs of carrying out the searches.
It is recommended that executors advertise the death of the deceased in a local newspaper and the London Gazette to ensure that if there are any creditors or claimants, they are aware who is dealing with the estate and who to contact about the debt/claim.
If a S27 notice is placed in the paper, the creditor/claimant has 2 months and 1 day from the date of the advert to contact the executor. If the creditor/claimant fails to contact the executor in that time and the executor subsequently distributes the estate, the creditor/claimant would not be able to hold the executor legally responsible but would instead have to take the beneficiaries to Court. In the majority of cases like this, the cost of taking beneficiaries to the Court to claim the repayment of the debt or to make a claim would outweigh the debt/value of the claim itself and therefore the creditor/claimant may waive the debt/claim. If you fail to place s27 Notices and a creditor/claimant comes to light after you have distributed the estate, you may be held legally responsible and the creditor/claimant may come after you as the executor/s to obtain payment of their debt/claim as you failed to advertise the death.
The cost of this will vary but is usually in the region of £150.00 + £30.00 VAT to £300.00 + £60.00 VAT (£180.00 to £360.00 total), dependant on the cost of the paper. The cost may be higher if the deceased lived in different parts of the country/world in the years before death.
Ascertaining all of the deceased’s assets is important, not only to ensure that beneficiaries under the terms of the Will or the rules of intestacy receive their full entitlement, but a legal requirement as HMRC becomes ever more stringent in ensuring full tax is taken from each estate. It is therefore important the personal
representatives investigate fully and a financial asset search identifies any unclaimed shares, dormant accounts, pensions, trusts, life policies, bonds and national savings in the name of the deceased. Cost of financial asset search is approx. £162.00 + £32.40 VAT to £180.00 + £36.00 VAT (£194.40 to £210.00 Total) depending on the asset search provider used.
In certain circumstances it may be appropriate to seek assistance from a genealogy company for example, where we need to establish a family tree under an Intestacy, or where there is a missing beneficiary.
The costs associated with this type of search would have to be requested at the time, depending on the assistance required.
In some estates (usually intestacies) the personal representatives may feel that insurance covering certain circumstances may be appropriate to avoid them becoming personally liable should circumstances in the estate change in the future, for example if a missing beneficiary later appears or a later Will emerges. Insurance policies are based on each estate’s circumstances but quotes can be obtained before proceeding. We would advise you during the course of administration whether a policy would be recommended and obtain quotes for approval before proceeding.
It is difficult to provide an accurate estimate of how long it will take to conclude the administration of an estate as much will depend on the size and nature of the assets. As a broad estimate, however, I would normally expect a small estate where there is no property to sell and which is exempt from the payment of Inheritance tax to be concluded within 4 to 9 months of receiving instructions, assuming that there are no complicating factors. Larger estates or, for example, those involving a greater number of assets or liabilities, property to sell, or which are liable for the payment of Inheritance tax, or subject to a DWP investigation, may take much longer than this.
We will provide you with an estimate of how long the estate administration would take, at the outset, including highlighting any matters which we believe may cause a delay in the administration.
For example, as at October 2025, HMRC guidance states that they take 25 working days to process applications and release a code to enable the Grant to be applied for (subject to any IHT being paid). Thereafter HMRC reserve the right to raise further queries within the next 20 weeks.
For an IHT 205 administration, it usually takes anywhere between 1 – 4 months to obtain the Grant, after which we would collect in any assets, and if appropriate, after discharging any expenses, we may make an interim distribution, which could take an additional 1 – 3 months (or longer depending on the sale of a house). After that, we would need to finalise any tax affairs, and prepare accounts, which can again take a month or two, possibly longer depending on HMRC finalising the income tax affairs.
For larger estates, particularly where an IHT 400 is required, it usually takes 3 – 6 months to obtain the Grant, then a further 1 – 3 months to collect in the assets (or longer depending on the sale of a house). After that it would take, much like the simpler estate, it is a case of finalising the tax affairs and preparing accounts which can take a few months. On average an estate requiring a Grant, and the sale of the house, is likely to take around 12 months or so to completely administer.
For estates where Partners within the firm are appointed as the executors solely or jointly appointed with Lay executors (non-professionals), we will charge a ‘Value Element’ in addition to our hourly rate. This is a percentage of the gross value of the estate, as declared for inheritance tax purposes, as the monetary value involved is one measure of the extent of responsibility falling on the firm.
The value element is calculated as follows:
We generally charge a fixed fee of £240.00 (£200.00 + £40.00 VAT) to provide an initial consultation for up to an hour of advice. We are able to advise you in person at an appointment at our Plymouth office or via telephone/video conference.
Examples of our fees for representing clients in relation to an immigration matter are as follows:-
Type of Service | Prices Starting from | VAT from | TOTAL from |
Applications for leave to enter/leave to remain in the UK as the partner or child of a British or settled person | £1,200.00 | £240.00 | £1,440.00 |
Applications for leave to enter/leave to remain in the UK on the basis of exercising custodial rights in the UK to a British child | £1,200.00 | £240.00 | £1,440.00 |
Applications for leave to enter the UK as a dependant relative | £1,500.00 | £300.00 | £1,800.00 |
Applications for indefinite leave to remain in the UK under the 5 or 10 year routes | £1,200.00 | £240.00 | £1,440.00 |
Applications for leave to enter/leave to remain in the UK as a Skilled Worker and other work based | £1,200.00 | £240.00 | £1,440.00 |
Applications for visit visas to the UK | £700.00 | £140.00 | £840.00 |
Applications for leave to enter/leave to remain in the UK as a student | £1,000.00 | £200.00 | £1,200.00 |
Applications for leave to remain in the UK on exceptional and humanitarian grounds | £1,200.00 | £240.00 | £1,440.00 |
Applications for British citizenship | £700.00 | £140.00 | £840.00 |
Applications for sponsor licence to employ migrant workers | £900.00 | £180.00 | £1,080.00 |
Representation in appeals before the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) | £2,000.00 | £400.00 | £2,400.00 |
Representation in appeals before the Upper-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) | £2,500.00 | £500.00 | £3,000.00 |
Our quoted professional fees include:-
Our professional fees will be higher depending upon (but not limited to) the following:-
Any additional work not discussed or known to us at the time of your instruction will be billed at the hourly rate of £325.00 + VAT (£65.00) = £390.00. You will be informed as soon as possible before any additional fees are accrued.
The fees quoted above include our professional fees and excludes disbursements such as but not limited to:-
Type of application | Fee |
Application for indefinite leave to remain in the UK | £3,029.00 |
Application for naturalisation as a British citizen for an adult | £1,735.00 |
Application for registration as a British citizen for a child | £1,214.00 |
Application for leave to remain in the UK – other | £1,321.00 |
Worker sponsor licence (small sponsor) | £574.00 |
Worker sponsor licence (large sponsor) | £1,579.00 |
Route to Settlement application made outside of the UK | £1,938.00 |
Skilled Worker visa outside of the UK where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for over three years | £1,519.00 |
Skilled Worker visa outside of the UK where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for up to three years | £769.00 |
Visit visa – up to 6 months | £127.00 |
(Fees above are VAT Exclusive. For further information on the Home Office Fees please click here)
Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties such as Home Office application fees. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf.
Upon your instructions we will advise of the information/evidence we will require to prepare your case. Following receipt of the information/evidence required from you, we will usually be able to prepare your case within 1-2 weeks unless circumstances arise that prevent us from doing so (e.g. additional supporting documentation is required, you are not yet eligible to make the immigration application etc).
Once an application has been received by the Home Office, waiting times vary considerably from 24 hours up to 6 months depending upon the type of application, the level of service purchased and the complexity of the case. We are able to offer more precise timings upon receiving instructions from you.
At CWC we offer individuals and businesses representation in claims before an Employment Tribunal. These claims can be brought for a variety of reasons but can usually be placed into one of two categories. These main categories are Wrongful Dismissal or Unfair Dismissal which are commonly confused with each other.
Wrongful dismissal claims are brought when the reason for dismissal is often a fair one but where it is claimed that the employer has not complied with either its contractual or statutory arrangements when carrying out the dismissal process. The issue may not be whether the employer was able to dismiss the employee but whether it did so in a way which was in accordance with the employee’s contract or otherwise procedurally lawful.
Unfair dismissal claims are those where the employee alleges that the employer’s reason for dismissal is one where dismissal is the wrong result of a procedure which has ended up with the employee being dismissed.
Constructive dismissal, where the employee has resigned his or her employment in objection to an action, or series of actions, of the employer which the employee claims is a breach of contract also falls within the category of unfair dismissal.
Employment Tribunal Claims are not limited solely to dismissal or other termination of employment and can be brought, in certain circumstances, where employment is continuing, such as claims for recovery of a shortfall in wages.
There are strict time limits applicable for bringing Employment Tribunal claims. They need to be issued no later than 3 months less one day from either the last day of employment or the date the issue aros.
The procedure for bringing employment related claims is as follows:
Whilst much of the work required will be determined on a case by case basis, we are able to give the following estimates for bringing and defending claims for unfair or wrongful dismissal:
Simple case: Between £5,000.00 + VAT (£1,000.00) = £6,000.00 and £12,000.00 + VAT (£2,400.00 = £14,400.00 and Disbursements
Medium complexity case: Between £10,000.00 + VAT (£2,000.00) = £12,000.00 and £25,000.00 + VAT (£5,000.00) = £30,000.00 and Disbursements
High complexity case: Between £20,000.00 + VAT (£4,000.00) = £24,000.00 and £80,000.00 + VAT (£16,000.00) = £96,000.00 and Disbursements
Some examples of claims that fall into the ‘simple’ category are as follows:
The key factors of a simple claim are usually that there has been a single form of breach where there is clear documentary evidence to support the claim.
Factors that could make a case more complex:
There will be an additional charge for us attending a Tribunal Hearing based on the hourly rate of the solicitor dealing with your matter. We will discuss these charges with you at the relevant time. Generally, we would allow 1 – 3 days for attendance at a hearing depending on the complexity of your case.
It may be that you have Legal Expenses Insurance as part of your home or car insurance, for example. We would always suggest that you check your existing insurance policies to see if they provide cover for employment related claims. In that instance, your insurance may assist with or cover your legal fees in full.
Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to others, such as Court fees or expert fees. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process but we will require monies on account from you up front to facilitate these payments.
Barristers’ fees are also disbursements. Barristers’ fees are estimated as being between £1,500.00 to £3,000.00 + VAT (£300.00 to £600.00) per day (depending on experience of the Barrister) for attending a Tribunal Hearing (including preparation).
You do not have to pay a fee to bring a claim in an employment tribunal.
You may be required to cover some expenses, such as travel fees (£0.45 per mile) and parking fees.
The fees set out above cover all of the work in relation to the following key stages of a claim:
The stages set out above are an indication only. You may wish to handle the claim yourself and only have our advice in relation to some of the stages. This can also be arranged based on your individual needs.
The time that it takes from taking your initial instructions to the final resolution of your matter depends largely on the stage at which your case is resolved. If a settlement is reached during pre-claim conciliation, your case may take as little as 4 to 8 weeks. If your claim proceeds to a Final Hearing, it is likely to take between 12 to 18 months. This is just an estimate and we will of course be able to give you a more accurate timescale once we have more information and as the matter progresses.
Rebecca Mabelle, Head of the Litigation Department, and Charlie Potts, both specialise in Employment claims. Please contact us for more information.
