Probate Fees Just Shot Up 75% : Here's What Executors Need to Know Before It Costs You
If you're acting as an executor, or expect to be applying for probate soon, there's an important change you should be aware of.
From 13 July 2026, the court fee for applying for probate in England and Wales increased from £300 to £526.
This represents an increase of around 75%, adding an extra £226 to the cost of every probate application.
Many executors are already dealing with paperwork, deadlines and difficult decisions following the loss of a loved one. An increase in probate fees is another cost that families now need to consider.
At South West Wills & Estate Planning, I provide practical probate support and executor guidance, helping people understand the process and complete the necessary paperwork with confidence.
What Has Changed?
The Ministry of Justice has increased the court fee payable when applying for a Grant of Probate (or Letters of Administration where there isn't a Will).
Here's how the fees compare.
Probate Application FeeBefore 13 July 2026From 13 July 2026Probate application£300£526Additional copies ordered with the application£1.50£2Additional copies ordered later£16£16
If you're in the middle of gathering information for a probate application, it's worth making sure everything is progressing as quickly as possible to avoid unnecessary delays.
Do You Always Need Probate?
Not every estate requires probate.
Whether a Grant of Probate is needed depends on the type of assets owned, how they were held and the requirements of the organisations holding those assets.
Probate is commonly required where:
The person owned a property in their sole name.
They held savings or investments above an institution's threshold.
Banks, building societies or investment providers require a Grant of Probate before releasing funds.
If assets were owned jointly, such as a joint bank account or a property owned as joint tenants, they will often pass automatically to the surviving owner without probate.
If you're unsure whether probate is required, reading my guide on Do I Need Probate? can help you understand your next steps.
Why Accuracy Matters
While the increase in fees is frustrating, one of the biggest causes of delay is an application that isn't completed correctly.
Missing information, incorrect valuations or incomplete paperwork can all result in the Probate Registry asking for further information before your application can continue.
It's also important to remember that:
Executors have legal responsibilities when administering an estate.
Estate values need to be reported accurately for inheritance tax purposes.
Beneficiaries should be kept informed throughout the process to avoid misunderstandings.
Taking time to get things right from the beginning can save weeks—or even months—later on.
Three Steps Executors Should Take
If you're responsible for administering an estate, these are good places to start.
1. Gather the Financial Information
Contact banks, building societies, pension providers, investment companies and other organisations as soon as possible to request date of death valuations.
Having accurate figures early makes completing the probate application much easier.
2. Find the Original Will
Locate the original signed Will if there is one.
If no valid Will exists, the estate will usually be administered under the Rules of Intestacy, which determine who can apply to deal with the estate and who inherits.
3. Get Guidance if You're Unsure
Many executors choose to deal with the administration themselves, but that doesn't mean you have to work everything out alone.
Having someone explain the process, answer your questions and help with the paperwork can make the experience far less stressful.
How I Can Help
At South West Wills & Estate Planning, I don't take over the administration of the estate like a solicitor would.
Instead, I work alongside executors who want practical support while managing the estate themselves.
I can help you:
Understand your responsibilities as an executor.
Explain the probate process in plain English.
Identify the information needed for the application.
Assist with probate paperwork where appropriate.
Stay organised throughout the administration of the estate.
Understand the next steps as the estate progresses.
Everything is provided on a fixed-fee basis, so you'll always know the cost in advance.
I offer home visits throughout Cornwall and North Devon, together with secure online appointments for clients across England and Wales.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who pays the probate application fee?
The probate fee is payable from the estate.
However, because bank accounts are often frozen until probate has been granted, executors sometimes pay the fee themselves initially and then reimburse themselves from the estate once funds become available.
What happens if there's a mistake on the probate application?
If information is missing or incorrect, the Probate Registry may ask for further information before continuing with the application.
This can lead to unnecessary delays, so it's always worth checking everything carefully before submitting the paperwork.
Can I get help even if I'm dealing with probate myself?
Yes.
Many of my clients are administering an estate themselves but would like guidance through the process, help understanding what needs to be done, or assistance completing the paperwork.
My role is to support you—not take over.
Need Probate Support?
Applying for probate can feel overwhelming, particularly when you're also coping with the loss of someone close to you. Whether you've just started the process or simply want reassurance that you're completing everything correctly, I'm here to help.
If you'd like to discuss your situation, please get in touch for a free, no-obligation conversation.
I'd be happy to explain your options and help you move forward with confidence.