Probate Application Fee Increases to £526 – What Does This Mean for Families?
- RJM Solicitors
- Jul 14
- 4 min read
From 13 July 2026, the application fee for obtaining a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration in England and Wales has increased from £300 to £526 for estates valued at more than £5,000. The Ministry of Justice states that the increase is intended to recover the cost of running and improving the probate service, but it represents a substantial additional expense for bereaved families and executors.
Key Facts
The probate application fee has increased from £300 to £526.
The new fee applies from 13 July 2026.
The fee applies to estates worth more than £5,000.
Official copies ordered with the application have reduced in price from £16 to £2.
The increase applies to probate applications in England and Wales.
Why Has the Probate Fee Increased?
The Ministry of Justice has explained that the increase is intended to recover the full cost of providing the probate service while supporting continued investment in modernising the courts and tribunal system. According to the Government, the revised fee reflects inflation and ongoing improvements to the probate service.
While investment in public services is important, the increase has attracted attention because it represents a rise of more than 75% compared with the previous £300 fee. Many practitioners have questioned whether bereaved families should bear such a significant increase at a time when they are already dealing with the financial and emotional consequences of losing a loved one.
Who Will Be Affected?
Anyone applying for a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration for an estate worth more than £5,000 will now generally be required to pay the higher application fee.
For many executors, the probate application fee is only one of several expenses incurred during estate administration. Funeral costs, inheritance tax where applicable, property maintenance, insurance and professional fees can all arise before beneficiaries receive their inheritance. The increased court fee therefore adds to the overall financial burden of administering an estate.
Are There Any Other Changes?
Although the application fee has increased considerably, there is one positive change.
Where official copies of the Grant are requested at the same time as the probate application, the fee has reduced from £16 to £2. These copies are often required by banks, investment providers and organisations holding estate assets.
For estates requiring several official copies, this reduction will provide some savings. However, for most families those savings are unlikely to offset the substantial increase in the probate application fee itself.
Can Anything Be Done to Reduce Probate Costs?
The court fee itself cannot usually be avoided where probate is required, but careful estate planning can help minimise delays and unnecessary expense.
Preparing a professionally drafted Will, maintaining accurate records of assets and liabilities, and ensuring executors know where important documents are kept can all make the probate process more straightforward. Early legal advice may also help avoid errors that could result in additional delays or costs.
Where appropriate, some estates may qualify for financial assistance through the Government's Help with Fees scheme. Eligibility depends upon individual financial circumstances.
When Do You Need Probate?
Probate is required whenever someone with assets in their sole name dies and financial institutions or organisations require legal authority before releasing those assets.
Not every estate requires probate. Whether an application is necessary depends on the value of the estate, how assets were owned and the requirements of individual banks or asset holders. Taking legal advice at an early stage can help determine whether probate is needed and avoid unnecessary applications.
Common Mistakes Executors Make
One of the most common mistakes is assuming that probate is required in every estate. In reality, some estates can be administered without obtaining a Grant, depending upon the nature of the assets involved.
Another common issue is delaying the collection of financial information. Executors should begin gathering information about bank accounts, investments, pensions, debts and property as early as possible to avoid unnecessary delays.
Finally, many executors underestimate the overall cost of estate administration. The probate application fee is only one element of the process, and careful financial planning is often required before the estate can be distributed.
Probate Frequently Asked Questions
Has the probate application fee increased?
Yes. From 13 July 2026, the fee increased from £300 to £526 for probate applications relating to estates worth more than £5,000.
Does everyone have to pay the £526 fee?
No. The fee generally applies only where the estate exceeds £5,000 and probate is required. Smaller estates remain exempt from the application fee.
Has anything become cheaper?
Yes. Official copies of the Grant requested alongside the application have reduced from £16 to £2 each, making it more economical to order copies at the outset.
Can I avoid paying the probate fee?
If probate is legally required, the application fee will usually be payable. However, some applicants may qualify for financial assistance through the Help with Fees scheme depending upon their financial circumstances.
Should I instruct a solicitor for probate?
Every estate is different. Straightforward estates may be suitable for personal applications, while more complex estates involving property, inheritance tax or disputes often benefit from professional legal advice.
Probate Application Fee Increase
The increase in the probate application fee to £526 represents a significant additional cost for many families administering estates in England and Wales. Although the Government says the increase will support improvements to the probate service, executors should ensure they understand the likely costs involved and seek advice where necessary to avoid unnecessary delays or complications.
RJM Solicitors Are Here to Help
Administering an estate can be a complex and emotional process. If you have been appointed as an executor or need advice about probate, RJM Solicitors can provide practical guidance throughout every stage of estate administration for clients across Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales and beyond.
Telephone: 01685 379900
