Changes to current Grant of Probate application fees
A significant change to probate costs is approaching, and it is one that may take many by surprise.
From 13 July 2026, subject to parliamentary approval, the court fee payable on an application for a grant of probate is due to increase from £300 to £526 – a rise of approximately 75%. While periodic adjustments to court fees are expected, increases of this scale are less usual and are likely to be felt more widely by those administering estates.
The revision forms part of a broader update to court and tribunal fees. Most have been adjusted more modestly, broadly in line with inflation, but the probate application fee has increased more sharply, making it a particularly notable change in the private client landscape.
The Ministry of Justice has indicated that the wider changes are intended to improve cost recovery, create greater consistency across the system, and ensure continued access to justice. In the context of probate specifically, the increase appears to be directed towards supporting ongoing investment in the probate service and its modernisation.
As many practitioners and clients will recognise, the system has undergone considerable change in recent years. While progress has been made in some areas, delays can still arise, particularly where estates are more complex. It remains to be seen how soon any further improvements will translate into everyday practice.
There is some good news. If copies of probate documents are requested at the same time as the application, the fee for these will reduce from £16 to £2 per copy. Although welcome, this adjustment is unlikely to materially affect the overall cost for most estates.
Alongside the headline probate changes, several smaller fee increases will also take effect from July. These include modest uplifts to certain non-contentious probate fees (such as caveat applications, standing searches and will storage) as well as increases to Court of Protection fees, largely reflecting inflationary adjustments. While less pronounced, these changes will still be relevant in the context of wider estate planning and administration.
In advance of the July implementation date, it is possible that some executors may look to submit applications earlier, where circumstances allow. As ever, the timing of a probate application will depend on a range of factors, including the readiness of financial information and any inheritance tax considerations.
For individuals and families navigating the administration of an estate, the forthcoming changes serve as a useful reminder of the importance of early advice and careful preparation. While probate fees are only one element of the overall process, understanding when and how to proceed can help avoid unnecessary cost and delay.
It is also worth noting that the “Help with Fees” scheme remains available for those who may be eligible for assistance with court fees.
Our Private Client team continues to monitor developments in this area and would be pleased to advise on how these changes may affect you.
