Sliding scale for probate fees!

The Department of Justice say that the residence nil rate band being introduced next year will reduce the amount of inheritance tax by more than the increase in probate fees, but it is still a stealth tax. The current probate fees cover the costs of the probate registries, but the rest of the courts and tribunals service doesn't, so the government are generating a lot more income to subsidise the civil and criminal courts.
Lawyers fees for running a simple probate are usually less than 2% of the estate in England and Wales.

We are just having Cyprus wills reviewed, due to change in the law here. Lawyers are permitted to ask for no LESS than 12% of the estate and they must be used as every will has to go to probate. (some I know were charged 25%)

Just in case anyone is feeling hard-done by, I have just recieved the quote for the equivalent of probate for an estimated estate of 50,000 euros ...2,500 euros.
The same week I got the bill for calling an ambulance and para- medics... 850 euros. This is life outside the UK ! Admittedly the state health provision has paid 63% of the emergency call-out, but due to an administration muddle I will be paying the rest. When I got the bill, I did think it might be a good idea for those in the UK who call an ambulance or rock up at A&E at the drop of a hat to at least be aware of how much these services cost the NHS.
The up-side (ironic as it may seem) is that DH's funeral bill (collecting him from the house, 6 days at the funeral home and cremation ) only came to 1,800 euros. So perhaps it's swings and roundabouts..... apart from the probate fees. What do they say about death and taxes ??

Just refreshing this in case it's of interest to anyone.

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