What Executors Need to Know: Probate Fees Set to Increase by 75%
A significant change to Probate costs is on the horizon, with the Government proposing a substantial increase to Probate application fees from the 13th of July 2026, subject to parliamentary approval.
If the changes are approved, the court fee for applying for a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration will increase from £300 to £526 per application, this is a rise of approximately 75%
For families already dealing with the administration of a loved ones estate, understanding what this means and whether action can be taken before the increase comes into effect is important.
What Is Changing?
The Ministry of Justice has announced plans to increase the Probate application fee from £300 to £526 as part of wider reforms to court and tribunal fees across England and Wales.
According to the Government, the increase is intended to recover the cost of delivering the Probate service while supporting continued investment in a more modern and efficient system.
Alongside the increase, there is one reduction in cost. The fee for obtaining copies of probate documents when requested at the same time as the probate application will decrease from £16 to £2.
Why Are Probate Fees Increasing?
While most court fees are increasing broadly in line with inflation, the proposed probate fee increase is significantly higher. Around 170 court and tribunal fees will rise by just 2.6%, with a smaller number increasing to reflect inflation over a longer period. The proposed 75% increase to probate fees is therefore a notable exception.
The Government has stated that the new fee reflects the cost of providing an “ever improving service” and ongoing investment in the probate system.
Will the New Fee Definiteley Apply?
The new fee will not apply yet.
The proposed increased is expected to come into effect on the 13th of July 2026, but it is still subject to parliamentary approval. Until the necessary legislation has been there remains some uncertainty as to whether the changes will be introduced on that date or in the form currently proposed.
Can Executors Avoid the Higher Fee?
Possibly, but it will depend on how far the estate administration has progressed.
Before an application for probate can be submitted, executors will usually need to:
- Establish the value of the estate
- Complete any required inheritance tax reporting
- Arrange payment of inheritance tax where applicable
- Gather the documents and information needed to submit the application
For estates where this work is already well underway, it may be possible to apply before 13th July 2026, allowing executors to benefit from the current £300.00 fee.
However, more complex estates or those at an earlier stage of administration may simply not be ready in time.
Could There Be Delays?
Many probate practitioners expect an increase in applications as the deadline approaches.
Whenever significant fee changes are announced, there is often a rush to submit applications before the new charges take effect. This could place additional pressure on the Probate Registry and potentially lead to longer processing times.
Although the government has linked the fee increase to investment in improving the probate service, delays can still occur, particularly in more complex probate applications.
What Should Executors Do Now?
If you are currently acting as an executor or administering the estate of a loved one, it is sensible to review your position as soon as possible.
Where the estate is sufficiently advanced, there may still be time to submit a probate application before the proposed increase takes effect. However, not every estate can be accelerated, and much will depend on whether all the necessary information and documentation has been obtained.
Seeking legal advice early can help ensure the administration progresses as efficiently as possible and avoid unnecessary delays.
Need Advice About Probate?
Administering an estate can be complex, particularly during what is often an emotional and difficult time.
Our experienced Private Client Team can guide executors through every stage of the estate administration process, helping to ensure applications are prepared correctly and submitted as efficiently as possible.
If you need advice, contact Bell Lamb & Joynson Solicitors today.