From 13 July 2026, the cost of applying for probate in England and Wales has increased significantly, rising from £300 to £526 for estates valued over £5,000. This represents an increase of more than 75%, adding a further financial burden for families already dealing with the practical and emotional challenges of losing a loved one.
The Ministry of Justice has stated that the increase is intended to recover the cost of delivering and modernising the probate service, taking into account rising inflation and continued investment in HM Courts and Tribunals Service.
What Is Probate?
Probate is the legal process of administering a person’s estate after they have died. Where there is a valid Will, the executors named in the Will will usually apply for a Grant of Probate. If there is no Will, the appropriate family member or beneficiary may apply for Letters of Administration instead.
The grant gives the personal representative the authority to collect assets, settle debts, deal with financial institutions, and distribute the estate to the beneficiaries.
In many cases, banks, investment companies, pension providers, and the Land Registry will require a grant before releasing assets or transferring property.
What Has Changed?
The key change is the probate application fee itself:
- Previous fee: £300
- New fee: £526
- Increase: £226 (approximately 75%)
- Estates worth £5,000 or less remain exempt from the fee.
While the increase has understandably attracted attention, there is one small positive change. Official copies of the Grant, when ordered at the same time as the application, now cost just £2 each rather than £16.
Why Does This Matter?
For many families, probate costs are paid from estate funds. However, obtaining access to those funds can sometimes be challenging before the grant has been issued.
Where an estate has limited cash available, executors may need to fund certain expenses themselves and recover the costs later from the estate. The increased probate fee therefore represents another upfront cost that families may need to consider during what is already a difficult period.
The increase may also encourage executors to seek professional guidance to ensure applications are completed correctly first time. Delays caused by errors or missing information can prolong the administration process and create additional stress for those involved.
The Importance of Acting Promptly
Although the fee increase is now in force, it highlights the importance of dealing with estate administration without unnecessary delay.
Many estates involve complex assets, property, inheritance tax considerations, or missing documentation. Starting the probate process early can help executors identify potential issues before they become more costly or time-consuming to resolve.
Obtaining professional advice can also help ensure that inheritance tax deadlines are met, assets are properly valued, and beneficiaries receive their entitlements as efficiently as possible.
A Specialist Probate Solicitor can assist with things such as:
Administering an estate can be a significant responsibility. Executors are personally accountable for ensuring that debts are paid, taxes are settled, and distributions are made correctly.
We can assist with:
- Preparing and submitting the probate application
- Corresponding with HMRC and financial institutions
- Calculating inheritance tax liabilities
- Collecting and distributing estate funds
Professional support can give executors peace of mind and help reduce the risk of costly mistakes.
Final Thoughts
The increase in the probate application fee from £300 to £526 is one of the largest rises seen in recent years and will affect thousands of families across England and Wales. While the government has indicated that the increase reflects the cost of maintaining and improving the probate service, it undoubtedly adds to the financial pressures faced by bereaved families.
If you are acting as an executor or need advice on applying for probate, our experienced probate solicitors can guide you through the process, ensuring the estate is administered efficiently and with the care and sensitivity that these matters require.