Solicitor Charges to Be an Executor UK

When someone passes away, the role of executor is to carry out the instructions in their will, manage their estate and ensure that assets are distributed to beneficiaries. This is a role that comes with legal responsibilities and often involves complex tasks such as applying for probate, dealing with inheritance tax, paying debts and handling disputes. Because of this, many people appoint a solicitor to act as an executor or to assist executors in carrying out their duties. The cost of a solicitor acting in this role can vary widely depending on the estate and the fee structure used.

Solicitors as Executors

A solicitor can be named directly as an executor in a will, meaning they take full responsibility for managing the estate. Alternatively, executors appointed in the will, such as family members, may choose to instruct a solicitor to carry out the work on their behalf. Either way, the solicitor’s involvement ensures that the estate is administered correctly, in compliance with the law and with less risk of errors or disputes. This professional support can be especially valuable for estates that are large, complex or involve potential disagreements between beneficiaries.

Fee Structures for Executors

Solicitors typically charge for acting as an executor in three different ways. Some charge an hourly rate, which can range from around one hundred and fifty to three hundred pounds per hour depending on the firm and location. Others charge a fixed fee, which is usually agreed at the outset and is often based on the estimated time and complexity of the work. A third option is percentage based fees, where solicitors take a percentage of the gross value of the estate, usually between one and five percent. The Law Society recommends that charges should not normally exceed 1.5 percent of the estate’s value.

Typical Costs of a Solicitor Executor

For smaller and simpler estates, solicitor charges may be relatively modest, sometimes starting from around one thousand pounds plus VAT. For medium sized estates, costs often fall between three and seven thousand pounds. Large or complex estates with multiple properties, foreign assets, trusts or tax issues can cost significantly more, sometimes in excess of ten thousand pounds. It is also important to remember that disbursements, such as probate application fees, will be charged in addition to the solicitor’s fees.

Why People Appoint Solicitors as Executors

The main reason people appoint solicitors as executors is peace of mind. Acting as an executor can be stressful and time consuming, and the legal and financial responsibilities can feel overwhelming for family members who are also dealing with grief. A solicitor has the expertise to ensure everything is done correctly and within the required timeframes. Their involvement also reduces the risk of disputes, since they act impartially and professionally when distributing assets among beneficiaries.

Balancing Cost and Reassurance

Although appointing a solicitor as an executor comes at a cost, many people consider it worthwhile. Mistakes made by inexperienced executors can lead to delays, disputes or financial penalties, which may ultimately cost the estate more than paying a solicitor in the first place. For straightforward estates, some families prefer to act as executors themselves, only consulting a solicitor when they need specific advice. For more complex estates, appointing a solicitor as executor provides reassurance that the estate will be handled properly from start to finish.

Conclusion

The cost of a solicitor acting as an executor depends on the estate’s complexity and the fee structure used. Fees may be hourly, fixed or percentage based, with typical charges ranging from around one thousand pounds for simple estates to several thousand for larger ones. While the cost can be significant, many people value the professional expertise and impartiality a solicitor brings, making the process smoother and less stressful for families.