Probate Fees Increase in England: What the 2026 Changes Mean for Executors and Families

Probate Fees Increase in England: What the 2026 Changes Mean for Executors and Families

If you are acting as an executor or are applying for probate following the death of a loved one, it's important to be aware of the recent changes to probate fees in England and Wales.

From 13 July 2026, the cost of applying for a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration has increased significantly, meaning families could face higher upfront costs when administering an estate.

How Much Have Probate Fees Increased?

The Government has increased the probate application fee from £300 to £526 for estates valued at more than £5,000. This represents a rise of more than 75%, making it one of the most significant increases to probate fees in recent years.

Estates worth £5,000 or less remain exempt from paying the probate application fee.

The Ministry of Justice has stated that the increase is intended to reflect inflation and help fund the continued operation and modernisation of HM Courts & Tribunals Service.

What Is Probate?

Probate is the legal process of administering a person's estate after they die. It gives executors (or administrators where there is no will) the authority to collect assets, pay debts and distribute the estate to beneficiaries.

Not every estate requires probate, but where property, significant savings or investments are involved, obtaining a Grant of Probate is often essential before assets can be released.

A Small Positive Change

While the increase in the application fee will be disappointing for many families, there has been one reduction in cost.

Additional copies of the Grant of Probate are now lower again, costing £2 each if ordered at the time of application. This can represent a useful saving where multiple financial institutions require an original sealed copy.

Other Important Considerations

Although the probate application itself may appear straightforward, many estates involve additional legal and tax considerations.

Executors should ensure they:

  • accurately value the estate
  • identify and settle outstanding debts
  • complete any required inheritance tax reporting to HMRC
  • comply with the deceased's will or the intestacy rules if there is no will
  • keep detailed estate accounts for beneficiaries

Mistakes or delays can prolong the administration of an estate and, in some circumstances, leave executors personally liable.

Why Professional Probate Advice Can Save Time and Money

Many people choose to instruct a solicitor because probate involves much more than completing an application form.

Professional advice can help:

  • avoid costly errors and delays
  • ensure inheritance tax requirements are correctly dealt with
  • resolve disputes between beneficiaries
  • manage complex estates involving property, businesses or overseas assets
  • provide reassurance during what is often an emotional and stressful time

With probate fees now significantly higher, ensuring the process is completed correctly first time has become even more important.

We Can Help

Whether you have recently lost a loved one or are planning ahead, our experienced private client team can guide you through every stage of the probate process.

We offer clear, practical advice and can assist with everything from obtaining the Grant of Probate to the full administration of an estate, helping to reduce stress and ensure legal obligations are met.

If you would like to discuss probate or estate administration, please contact our team for a confidential, no-obligation conversation.

Need advice about probate? Get in touch with our experienced team today to find out how we can help you navigate the process with confidence.