The cost of applying for probate in England and Wales is set to increase significantly, with the application fee rising from £300 to £526 from 13 July 2026, subject to parliamentary approval.
The change was announced by the Ministry of Justice as part of wider updates to court and tribunal fees.
For families already dealing with the practical and emotional challenges that follow a bereavement, this is a substantial increase and one that should be factored into the cost of administering an estate.
What Is Changing?
At present, the probate application fee is:
- £300 for estates valued over £5,000
- No fee for estates valued at £5,000 or less
From 13 July 2026, the fee for estates over £5,000 will rise to £526. Estates valued at £5,000 or less will continue to have no application fee.
This represents an increase of more than 75%.
The Ministry of Justice has said the rise is intended to help recover the cost of providing the probate service, taking account of inflation and investment in a more modern and efficient system.
Additional Copies Will Be Cheaper – If Ordered at the Same Time
Alongside the increase in the main probate application fee, there is some welcome news regarding copy documents.
Additional copies of the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration, when ordered at the same time as the application, will reduce from £16 per copy to £2 per copy.
This is helpful because executors often need to send sealed copies to banks, investment providers, share registrars and other organisations. Ordering enough copies at the start of the process may help avoid delays later.
However, it is important to note that the reduced £2 fee applies only when copies are requested at the same time as the probate application. Copies ordered later may still cost more.
Who Pays the Probate Application Fee?
The probate fee is usually treated as an expense of the estate. However, it often needs to be paid before the Grant is issued and before estate funds are fully accessible.
This can sometimes mean that an executor or administrator has to pay the fee upfront and reclaim it from the estate later.
With the fee increasing to £526, this may create additional pressure for some families, particularly where the estate has limited cash available at the beginning.
What Does This Mean for Executors?
Executors and administrators should be aware that estate administration can involve several costs, including:
- Probate application fees
- Valuation costs
- Property-related expenses
- Inheritance tax, where applicable
- Professional advice or support, where needed
Keeping clear records of all estate expenses is important, especially where costs are paid personally and later reimbursed from estate funds.
How White Deer Legal Can Help
Dealing with probate can feel overwhelming, particularly at an already difficult time.
At White Deer Legal, we can guide you through the probate and estate administration process, helping to ensure the correct steps are taken and the application is handled as smoothly as possible.
If you need help with probate or estate administration, please contact our friendly team.
