Fixed-Fee Probate Support for Families
Losing someone close is difficult enough without facing complicated forms, tax issues, and legal risk. When a loved one dies, their estate must be collected, debts and taxes settled, and inheritance distributed to beneficiaries. This process is called probate.If there is no Will, a similar process called “Letters of Administration” applies. The work involved is much the same, and our solicitors can guide families through that process too.
If you are named as an executor, you are legally responsible for making sure probate is carried out correctly. That responsibility can be stressful, time-consuming, and risky. Mistakes can lead to long delays and even personal liability.
At Pattison James Associates, we make probate simple, clear, and affordable. We work with a panel of trusted, regulated solicitors who provide true fixed-fee probate services. Unlike many solicitors who charge a percentage of the estate, our panel never do. They charge a fixed fee based on the work required — not the value of the estate. Fees are only paid from the estate on completion, never upfront by you.
Common issues encountered by executors include:
- Incorrectly completing tax forms
- Failed applications to the probate registry office
- Locating and notifying beneficiaries (including appropriate public advertisements)
- Beneficiaries demanding their inheritance
- Beneficiaries challenging your every move
- Contests to the estate by disgruntled beneficiaries and worse, non-beneficiaries who expected to inherit
- Issues with the probate application
- Disputes between executors
- Conflicts of interest when an executor is also a partial beneficiary
- Liability for errors e.g. incorrectly calculated Inheritance Tax
If you have been appointed as an executor you no doubt feel a sense of moral responsibility to fulfill the role and ensure the job is completed correctly; ultimately it is your duty to ensure the process is handled correctly and what better way to ensure your loved one's estate is handled correctly than appointing the services of a professional.
Why families choose us
- ✅ Fixed-fee probate — no percentage of the estate
- ✅ All work handled by regulated, specialist solicitors
- ✅ Fees are paid from the estate, never upfront by you
- ✅ Clear, transparent communication at every stage
- ✅ Personal support throughout the probate process
Families choose Pattison James Associates because we make probate simple, affordable,
and completely transparent — giving you peace of mind that everything is handled
correctly, without stress or unexpected costs.
The difference in cost
Many solicitors still charge a percentage of the estate’s value, typically 2% to 5%.
That means two estates with the same paperwork and workload can have vastly different fees,
simply because one house is worth £100,000 and another £1 million.
We believe that makes no sense. The work required to complete probate is broadly the same,
regardless of estate size. Our panel’s fees are fixed and based on the work involved —
usually a fraction of traditional solicitor costs.
How it works
Discuss Your Options
Fill in your details below and a member of our team will call you to discuss these options and offer.
Comparison Fee Example
Based on an estate valued at £470,000 at a typical percentage-based fee of 3.95%.
Example estate: house £420,000, 4 bank/savings accounts totalling £45,000,
Personal possessions valued at £5,000, and a valid Will distributing assets to three children.
£18,565 + VAT & disbursements
£4,995 + VAT & disbursements
Estimated saving on this example: £13,570.
If you have suffered a bereavement or require further information please get in touch and we can advise on the next steps.
01276 903400
support@pjawills.co.uk