Proposed changes to probate fees
The Ministry of Justice has announced proposed changes to probate fees, due to take effect from 13 July 2026, subject to parliamentary approval.
Under the proposed changes, the probate application fee will increase from £300 to £526. The increase is intended to support ongoing investment in the probate service, helping to fund improvements and create a more efficient, modern system. With current processing times for Grants of Representation reaching up to 12 weeks, it is hoped that these enhancements will help reduce delays for applicants.
There is welcome news for those requiring additional copies of a Grant of Representation. The fee for copies requested alongside a probate application will decrease significantly, from £16 to £2, better reflecting the cost of providing this service.
If you are planning to apply for probate after 13 July 2026 and would like advice on the process or the impact of these changes, please contact our Private Client team to make an appointment on 0191 232 9547 who will be happy to assist.
