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Probate application fees in England and Wales increased significantly on 13 July 2026, marking one of the most substantial rises in recent years. Under the new regime, the fee payable on applications for a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration for estates valued at more than £5,000 has increased from £300 to £526, representing a rise of over 75%. The change forms part of a wider programme of court and tribunal fee reforms introduced by the Ministry of Justice, which states that the increase is intended to strengthen cost recovery, improve consistency in the funding of court services, and support continued investment in a more efficient and modern probate system.
The Ministry of Justice has sought to temper criticism of the increase by reducing certain related charges. Most notably, the fee for obtaining copies of probate documents at the time of making a probate application has been reduced from £16 to £2 per copy, reflecting a reassessment of the cost of providing that service. However, for many executors and beneficiaries, this reduction is unlikely to offset the impact of the substantial increase in the probate application fee itself. As a result, the change serves as a timely reminder of the importance of effective estate planning and the need to consider how estates are structured and administered.
What is probate?
Probate is the legal process by which a person’s estate is administered after their death. Where there is a Will, the executors named in the Will usually apply for a Grant of Probate. The grant gives the personal representatives the legal authority to collect in estate assets, settle liabilities and distribute the estate to the beneficiaries.
Although the probate application fee is normally treated as an estate expense, it may need to be paid before estate funds are available. In some cases executors or administrators may need to fund the fee personally before estate assets can be accessed, although some financial institutions will release funds to assist with payment of estate liabilities.
Why is the fee increasing?
The Government has described the increased fee as part of a wider package of changes to court and tribunal fees. It says the probate fee increase is intended to recover the cost of delivering an “ever-improving” service, while also accounting for inflation and continued investment in a more efficient and modern probate system.
The Ministry of Justice has also pointed to improvements in probate waiting times. In February 2025, the Government reported that overall probate waiting times had reduced to just over four weeks, compared with around twelve weeks at the end of 2023, with around 80% of applications being completed online.
How can the effect of the increase be mitigated?
Although the fee increase itself is unavoidable where a grant is required, it serves as a timely reminder of the value of effective estate planning. Individuals should be encouraged to review how their assets are structured and owned, particularly where their wealth is concentrated in illiquid assets such as property or private business interests.
A well-considered estate planning strategy can help reduce both the administrative burden and costs faced by executors. This may include reviewing asset ownership arrangements, ensuring beneficiary nominations for pensions and life assurance policies remain up to date, considering the use of appropriate trust structures where suitable, and maintaining clear records of assets and liabilities. These measures can assist in reducing delays, improving access to funds following death, and facilitating a more efficient administration process.
More broadly, the increase in probate fees highlights a growing need for clients to view estate planning as an ongoing process rather than a one-off exercise. Whilst no planning can eliminate the need for probate in every case, careful preparation can significantly reduce the practical and financial challenges encountered by those left to administer an estate.
Is any help available?
The Government has confirmed that the Help with Fees remission scheme will remain available for those with lower financial means who are unable to afford a court or tribunal fee. Executors should therefore consider whether an application for help with fees may be appropriate in cases where the probate fee would be difficult to meet.