When someone close to you dies, the last thing you want to think about is paperwork and legal fees. Unfortunately, dealing with a loved one’s estate often comes with both, and from 13th July 2026, the cost of applying for probate is proposed to increase, subject to parliamentary approval.
The good news? There’s one small saving too.
So, what’s changing?
Subject to parliamentary approval, the fee to apply for a Grant of Probate is proposed to increase from £300 to £526.
However, if you need extra official copies of the Grant of Probate, they’re set to become much cheaper. Instead of £16 per copy, they’ll cost just £2 each.
For most families, the increase to the application fee will far outweigh the savings on extra copies, so it’s something executors should be aware of when budgeting for administering an estate.
First things first… what is probate?
Probate is the legal process of dealing with someone’s estate after they’ve died. If they owned property or held money and investments solely in their own name, you’ll usually need a Grant of Probate (or Letters of Administration if there isn’t a valid Will) before banks, building societies and other organisations will release their assets.
If you’ve never been an executor before, it can all feel a little overwhelming. That’s completely understandable – most people only go through the process once or twice in their lifetime.
Is the fee increase a big deal?
On its own, an extra £226 might not seem enormous, particularly if the estate is worth hundreds of thousands of pounds.
But probate is rarely the only expense.
There may also be funeral costs, property valuations, estate agent fees, inheritance tax paperwork, conveyancing costs if a property needs to be sold, and sometimes accountancy or legal fees too. It all adds up.
If money is tied up in the estate and can’t be accessed straight away, even relatively small increases in costs can create added pressure for executors.
Can you avoid probate fees?
In most cases, no. If probate is required, the application fee has to be paid.
What you can do is make life much easier for your loved ones by planning ahead.
Having a professionally prepared Will, keeping your financial affairs organised and reviewing your estate every few years can all help make the probate process smoother, quicker and, in some cases, less expensive.
It’s one of those things that doesn’t feel urgent until it suddenly becomes very important.
Do I need a solicitor?
Not everyone chooses to use a solicitor, but many executors find it reassuring to have someone guide them through the process.
Being an executor is a legal responsibility, and mistakes can sometimes lead to delays or even personal liability.
We can help with everything from applying for the Grant of Probate to dealing with inheritance tax paperwork, collecting assets, settling debts and making sure the estate is distributed correctly.
Some clients ask us to deal with the entire estate, while others simply need advice on specific parts of the process. We’re happy to help in whichever way suits you.
We’re Here When You Need Us
Losing someone is difficult enough without worrying about legal paperwork and changing fees.
If you’ve recently been appointed as an executor, or you’d simply like to plan ahead for the future, our friendly Probate team is here to offer clear, practical advice without the legal jargon.
If you’d like to have a chat about probate or estate administration, get in touch with Wadsworths Solicitors. We’ll help you understand what’s involved, explain the costs, and guide you through the process every step of the way.
Please note: At the time of writing, these fee changes are proposed and remain subject to parliamentary approval. We will continue to monitor the position and provide updates should anything change.