our Expert Probate services
Professional guidance shining a light when you need it most…
our Expert Probate services
Professional guidance shining a light when you need it most…
Expert Guidance for High-Value Estates across the South Coast
When someone close to you passes away, the legal and financial process that follows can feel overwhelming. At Lewis Brownlee, our licensed probate team in Chichester provides expert support in handling estates – with clarity, care, and calm professionalism.
We work with executors, families, and high-net-worth individuals to manage estate administration, inheritance tax, and probate applications. Whether the estate involves multiple properties, complex investments or international considerations, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Our Expert Probate Services Include…
Inheritance Tax Reporting
Preparation and submission to HMRC of the IHT400 and all relevant schedules, where required, including calculation of any inheritance tax liabilities.
Estimated Fees
From £1,250 to £2,000 + VAT
Probate Application
Preparation and submission of the application for a grant of probate or letters of administration, including preparation of the schedule of assets and liabilities and the legal statement.
Additional court fees:
HM Courts probate application fee: £300
Official copies of the grant: £16 per copy
These fees are paid by us and charged to the estate as disbursements.
Estimated Fees
From £650 to £950 + VAT
Full Estate Administration
We can manage the full administration of the estate, including collecting assets, settling liabilities, corresponding with beneficiaries, distributing the estate and completing the necessary administration records and reconciliations.
Estimated Fees
From £4,000 to £7,500 + VAT
Preparation of Estate Accounts
Preparation of detailed estate accounts for the executors and beneficiaries, showing the assets collected, liabilities paid, distributions made and the final balance of the estate.
Estimated Fees
From £600 to £950 + VAT
Additional Tax Compliance Services
Additional tax work, such as estate tax returns, residential capital gains tax returns, self-assessment tax returns and disclosures of income or gains, can be provided where required.
Services include:
Estate registration: £250
Residential CGT returns: £300
Self Assessment: £350 – £450
Disclosure of income and gains: £300
All prices above are excluding VAT
Bespoke Consultancy & Support
Not sure you need full estate administration?
We offer as-you-need-it support to help you navigate the process yourself or sense-check your paperwork.
Hourly rates:
Director: £275
Manager: £150
Senior: £100
All prices above are excluding VAT
Our Expert Probate Services Include…
Inheritance Tax Reporting
Preparation and submission to HMRC of the IHT400 and all relevant schedules, where required, including calculation of any inheritance tax liabilities.
Estimated Fees
From £1,250 to £2,000 + VAT
Probate Application
Preparation and submission of the application for a grant of probate or letters of administration, including preparation of the schedule of assets and liabilities and the legal statement.
Additional court fees:
HM Courts probate application fee: £300
Official copies of the grant: £16 per copy
These fees are paid by us and charged to the estate as disbursements.
Estimated Fees
From £650 to £950 + VAT
Full Estate Administration
We can manage the full administration of the estate, including collecting assets, settling liabilities, corresponding with beneficiaries, distributing the estate and completing the necessary administration records and reconciliations.
Estimated Fees
From £4,000 to £7,500 + VAT
Preparation of Estate Accounts
Preparation of detailed estate accounts for the executors and beneficiaries, showing the assets collected, liabilities paid, distributions made and the final balance of the estate.
Estimated Fees
From £600 to £950 + VAT
Additional Tax Compliance Services
Additional tax work, such as estate tax returns, residential capital gains tax returns, self-assessment tax returns and disclosures of income or gains, can be provided where required.
Services include:
Estate registration: £250
Residential CGT returns: £300
Self Assessment: £350 – £450
Disclosure of income and gains: £300
All prices above are excluding VAT
Bespoke Consultancy & Support
Not sure you need full estate administration?
We offer as-you-need-it support to help you navigate the process yourself or sense-check your paperwork.
Hourly rates:
Director: £275
Manager: £150
Senior: £100
All prices above are excluding VAT
Why Choose Lewis Brownlee for Probate?
– BRINGING CLARITY TO COMPLEXITY – AND DIGNITY TO EVERY DETAILÂ –Â
1) Licensed Probate Practitioners in Chichester
We are authorised by the ICAEW to carry out non-contentious probate work. Our integrated team of chartered accountants and tax specialists means you benefit from both legal and financial expertise.
2) Trusted by Families Across the South Coast
From Emsworth to Winchester, Arundel to Alresford, we provide reliable, discreet probate services tailored to your unique circumstances. Many of our clients are based in rural villages and market towns, with estates that require careful tax and legal planning.
3) Specialists in High-Value Estates
We regularly act for families with estates involving private companies, agricultural property, and complex asset portfolios. Our services include inheritance tax (IHT) reporting, estate tax compliance, and capital gains tax advice where applicable.
4) Transparent, Fixed-Fee Structure
We offer clear, fixed fees wherever possible – helping you plan with confidence. A full quote is provided after your free initial consultation, tailored to the scope of work you need.
Why Choose Lewis Brownlee for Probate?
– BRINGING CLARITY TO COMPLEXITY – AND DIGNITY TO EVERY DETAILÂ –Â
1) Licensed Probate Practitioners in Chichester
We are authorised by the ICAEW to carry out non-contentious probate work. Our integrated team of chartered accountants and tax specialists means you benefit from both legal and financial expertise.
2) Trusted by Families Across the South Coast
From Emsworth to Winchester, Arundel to Alresford, we provide reliable, discreet probate services tailored to your unique circumstances. Many of our clients are based in rural villages and market towns, with estates that require careful tax and legal planning.
3) Specialists in High-Value Estates
We regularly act for families with estates involving private companies, agricultural property, and complex asset portfolios. Our services include inheritance tax (IHT) reporting, estate tax compliance, and capital gains tax advice where applicable.
4) Transparent, Fixed-Fee Structure
We offer clear, fixed fees wherever possible – helping you plan with confidence. A full quote is provided after your free initial consultation, tailored to the scope of work you need.
Registered to carry on audit work in the UK and licensed to carry out the reserved legal activity of non-contentious probate in England and Wales by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.Â
Details of the firm’s probate registration can be viewed at icaew.com/probate, under the firm’s reference number C003643128.
Further information and guidance can be seen here:
 Details of our complaints procedure
We hope no issues will arise, but our complaints policy is available here.
This includes details of our Professional Indemnity Insurance.
Our latest results indicating our commitment to transparancy.
Find details from ICAEW about the probate regulations.
Serving You from Chichester, Supporting Clients Across the Region
Our Chichester office is fully licensed to carry out non-contentious probate across England and Wales.
We frequently work with clients from:
The South Downs and Meon Valley
Midhurst, Petworth and Petersfield
Hayling Island, Bosham, and the coastal villages
Arundel, Pulborough and the surrounding countryside
We understand the needs of rural families, landowners, business owners and professionals dealing with complex estates – and we bring the same clarity and personal service to every case.
Serving You from Chichester, Supporting Clients Across the Region
Our Chichester office is fully licensed to carry out non-contentious probate across England and Wales.
We frequently work with clients from:
The South Downs and Meon Valley, Midhurst, Petworth and Petersfield;Â Hayling Island, Bosham, and the coastal villages; Arundel, Pulborough and the surrounding countryside.
We understand the needs of rural families, landowners, business owners and professionals dealing with complex estates – and we bring the same clarity and personal service to every case.
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How Long Does Probate Take?
Probate timelines depend on the estate’s complexity. Simple estates may be completed within 6–12 months, while larger estates – particularly those involving IHT or HMRC valuation reviews – may take longer. We’ll provide a realistic timeline after your initial consultation and update you regularly throughout the process.
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Not Sure if You Need Probate?
In some cases, probate may not be required – for example, if assets are held jointly or the estate’s value is under £5,000. If you’re unsure, we’ll give you honest, no-obligation advice based on your situation.
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How Long Does Probate Take?
Probate timelines depend on the estate’s complexity. Simple estates may be completed within 6–12 months, while larger estates – particularly those involving IHT or HMRC valuation reviews – may take longer. We’ll provide a realistic timeline after your initial consultation and update you regularly throughout the process.
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Not Sure if You Need Probate?
In some cases, probate may not be required – for example, if assets are held jointly or the estate’s value is under £5,000. If you’re unsure, we’ll give you honest, no-obligation advice based on your situation.
Meet Our Expert Probate Team
Whether you need full estate administration or just a helping hand with the paperwork, we’re here to help.
Tom Foster
BSc (Hons), MSc, AAT, CTA
Director of Tax
Tom Foster is our Head of Taxation and a key adviser on Probate and Estate matters at Lewis Brownlee. With over 20 years’ experience as a tax practitioner and a strong background in Trusts, Estates and Inheritance Tax planning, Tom is ideally placed to support clients through the often complex financial and tax implications that come with administering an estate. Since joining us in 2014 from a top 20 firm and becoming Tax Director in 2017, he has earned a reputation for combining technical excellence with clear, reassuring advice.
Tom brings a strategic, detail-focused approach to Probate work, guiding clients through every stage – from navigating the tax responsibilities of an estate to planning for the most efficient distribution of assets. Whether advising on Inheritance Tax, Capital Gains Tax or broader estate planning, Tom’s depth of knowledge and practical insight make him an invaluable support for families looking to manage their affairs smoothly and responsibly.
Ellie Finn
BA GDL
Tax and Probate Assistant
Ellie Finn BA GDL is our dedicated Probate Specialist, offering expert guidance and reassurance to individuals and families during some of life’s most challenging times. Since joining Lewis Brownlee in 2022, Ellie has become a trusted adviser in Probate, Estate Administration and Personal Tax matters, known for her calm, compassionate manner and meticulous attention to detail.
With a legal background and a strong focus on Private Client work, Ellie specialises in simplifying the complexities of Probate and tax compliance. From securing the Grant of Probate to managing estates and advising on Capital Gains or Personal Tax, she combines deep technical knowledge with a genuinely supportive approach – helping clients feel informed, confident and well looked after throughout the process.
Meet Our Expert Probate Team
Whether you need full estate administration or just a helping hand with the paperwork, we’re here to help.
Tom Foster
BSc (Hons), MSc, AAT, CTA
Director of Tax
Tom Foster is our Head of Taxation and a key adviser on Probate and Estate matters at Lewis Brownlee. With over 20 years’ experience as a tax practitioner and a strong background in Trusts, Estates and Inheritance Tax planning, Tom is ideally placed to support clients through the often complex financial and tax implications that come with administering an estate. Since joining us in 2014 from a top 20 firm and becoming Tax Director in 2017, he has earned a reputation for combining technical excellence with clear, reassuring advice.
Tom brings a strategic, detail-focused approach to Probate work, guiding clients through every stage – from navigating the tax responsibilities of an estate to planning for the most efficient distribution of assets. Whether advising on Inheritance Tax, Capital Gains Tax or broader estate planning, Tom’s depth of knowledge and practical insight make him an invaluable support for families looking to manage their affairs smoothly and responsibly.
Ellie Finn
BA GDL
Tax and Probate Assistant
Ellie Finn BA GDL is our dedicated Probate Specialist, offering expert guidance and reassurance to individuals and families during some of life’s most challenging times. Since joining Lewis Brownlee in 2022, Ellie has become a trusted adviser in Probate, Estate Administration and Personal Tax matters, known for her calm, compassionate manner and meticulous attention to detail.
With a legal background and a strong focus on Private Client work, Ellie specialises in simplifying the complexities of Probate and tax compliance. From securing the Grant of Probate to managing estates and advising on Capital Gains or Personal Tax, she combines deep technical knowledge with a genuinely supportive approach – helping clients feel informed, confident and well looked after throughout the process.
Specialist Probate Services
From uncertainty to peace of mind – lighting the way with probate expertise.
Specialist Probate
Services
From uncertainty to peace of mind – lighting the way with probate expertise.