Solicitor Fees
I've just had a list detailing the charges from the solicitors acting as executors for my sister who sadly died earlier this year. The hourly rate or part thereof ranges from £235 to £295 per hour, plus VAT @ 20%, dependent I imagine on who is dealing with what, PLUS - and I quote - The "value element". This is a percentage of the gross value of the Estate, as the monetary value involved is one measure of the extent of responsibility of this firm - end of quote.
Just noticed that - quote - 'the value element' is calculated as follows: a) one-half % of the deceased's home plus b) 1% of the gross value of the rest of the Estate.
Apparently 'There is no separate charge for my secretary carrying out secretarial work but any worked carried out by her in her capacity as Legal Assistant is charged at £170 per hour (plus VAT).'
Before I read the 10 double-sided Terms of Business, I did send an email to them, had a short reply, sent back a thank you email which I now learn will be charged at 6 units of time at £29.50 each email sent and received so by my reckoning I have already charged up just under £90 (plus VAT?). There are seven beneficiaries so does that mean 7 x £29.50 each time they send out an identical email to all and 7 x £29.50 each time the recipient replies?
Just noticed that - quote - 'the value element' is calculated as follows: a) one-half % of the deceased's home plus b) 1% of the gross value of the rest of the Estate.
Apparently 'There is no separate charge for my secretary carrying out secretarial work but any worked carried out by her in her capacity as Legal Assistant is charged at £170 per hour (plus VAT).'
Before I read the 10 double-sided Terms of Business, I did send an email to them, had a short reply, sent back a thank you email which I now learn will be charged at 6 units of time at £29.50 each email sent and received so by my reckoning I have already charged up just under £90 (plus VAT?). There are seven beneficiaries so does that mean 7 x £29.50 each time they send out an identical email to all and 7 x £29.50 each time the recipient replies?
