Probate Fees Set to Increase by 75% – What Executors Need to Know
Posted on in Probate & Estate Administration
The Government has announced plans to increase the probate application fee from £300 to £526 from 13 July 2026, subject to parliamentary approval. If introduced, the change will increase the cost of obtaining a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration by £226 per application.
What is Changing?
The Ministry of Justice has confirmed its intention to increase the probate application fee from £300 to £526 as part of wider court and tribunal fee reforms. The Government says the increase is intended to recover the cost of delivering the probate service and to support ongoing investment in the system.
At the same time, the fee for obtaining copies of probate documents, when requested alongside the application, will reduce from £16 to £2.
Will the Increase Definitely Happen?
Not necessarily.
The new fee is due to come into force on 13 July 2026, but only if it receives the necessary parliamentary approval. Until that happens, there remains some uncertainty as to whether the changes will proceed exactly as announced.
Can Executors Beat the Deadline?
Possibly, but it will depend on how advanced the estate administration is.
Before a probate application can be submitted, executors usually need to:
- establish the value of the estate;
- complete any inheritance tax reporting requirements;
- arrange payment of inheritance tax where required; and
- gather the information and documents needed for the application.
For estates where this work is already largely complete, it may be possible to submit an application before 13 July. For others, particularly more complex estates, the timescale may simply be too short.
Will There Be Delays?
Many probate practitioners expect a surge in applications before the proposed deadline. If that happens, there is a possibility of additional pressure on the Probate Registry.
The Government has stated that the fee increase reflects investment in an “ever-improving service”, but practitioners continue to report delays on some applications, particularly more complex matters.
What Should You Do?
If you are currently dealing with an estate and are concerned about the proposed fee increase, it is worth reviewing the position as soon as possible.
While some estates may still be able to benefit from the current £300 fee, not all applications can realistically be accelerated. Much will depend on the stage the administration has reached and whether all necessary information is available.
Key Points
- The probate application fee is proposed to increase from £300 to £526 on 13 July 2026.
- The change is subject to parliamentary approval.
- Executors could save £226 if an application can be submitted before the increase takes effect.
- Not all estates will be capable of meeting the deadline.
- A rise in applications before July may place additional pressure on the probate system.
How can Tozers help?
Our specialist team can help you understand whether probate is required, what information is needed to make an application, and whether your estate may be able to benefit from the current fee structure before any changes take effect.