29 July 2026
Estates valued at £5,000 or more, the probate application fee has increased from £300 to £526 - an increase of more than 75%.
Estates valued below £5,000 remain exempt from the fee, but the increase will affect the majority of probate applications.
The Ministry of Justice has said that the higher fee will help fund improvements to the probate service and support the delivery of a more modern and efficient system. However, for many families dealing with the loss of a loved one, the additional cost comes at an already difficult time.
How Probate Fees Have Changed
The cost of applying for probate has increased significantly over recent years.
In 2019, the probate application fee was £215. Following increases in 2024 and again in 2026, the fee now stands at £526, a rise of almost 145% in just seven years.
While the Government states that the increase reflects the cost of running and improving the probate service, it represents a significant additional expense for many families who are already managing the practical and emotional challenges of administering an estate.
Although the fee is usually paid back from the estate once funds become available, it must be paid before the Grant of Probate or Grant of Letters of Administration can be issued.
Where an estate does not have enough readily available funds, Executors or Administrators may need to pay the fee themselves initially and recover the money later from the estate.
Change for Additional Probate Copies
Not all recent changes have increased costs.
A welcome development is the reduction in the cost of additional official copies of a Grant of Probate or Grant of Letters of Administration.
In late 2025, the cost of additional copies increased from £1.50 to £16 per copy, which attracted criticism due to the impact it could have on families dealing with estate administration.
The fee has now reduced to £2 per copy, making it more affordable to obtain the additional copies often needed during the probate process.
However, there is an important point to remember. The reduced £2 fee only applies where additional copies are requested at the same time as the probate application.
If further copies are needed after the Grant has already been issued, the cost remains £16 per copy.
Why Planning Ahead Can Make a Difference
When applying for probate, it is worth considering how many official copies of the Grant may be required.
Banks, building societies, investment providers and other organisations often ask for an official copy before releasing assets, so ordering enough copies at the beginning of the process can help avoid delays and additional costs later.
The changes to probate fees also highlight the importance of planning ahead. Having an up-to-date Will, understanding your estate and seeking advice where needed can help make the administration process smoother for those dealing with matters after your death.
How We Can Help
Dealing with probate and estate administration can feel overwhelming, particularly when you are also coping with the loss of someone close.
Our experienced Private Client team advises Executors, Administrators and families across Dorset, including Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch and Highcliffe, with clear, practical guidance throughout the probate process.
Whether you need help applying for probate, administering an estate or understanding your responsibilities as an Executor, we are here to help. Call us on 01202 294411 or contact us via our website to arrange a confidential consultation: Contact Us AB Solicitors For Your Legal Needs
