The cost of applying for probate in England and Wales is set to increase dramatically from 13 July 2026, with the probate application fee rising from £300 to £526 for estates valued over £5,000. The change represents an increase of more than 75%, making it one of the largest increases in probate fees in recent years.

However, there is one piece of positive news for executors and probate professionals. The fee for ordering copies of probate documents at the same time as making the application will fall from £16 to just £2 per copy, significantly reducing the cost of obtaining additional sealed copies.

Why are probate fees increasing?

The fee increase forms part of a wider package of changes to court and tribunal fees announced by the Ministry of Justice and HM Courts & Tribunals Service.

According to the Government, the objective is to strengthen cost recovery across the courts and tribunals system while continuing to modernise services. In its announcement, the Ministry of Justice said: “The purpose of the changes is to strengthen cost recovery, improve consistency in how and where fees are charged, and maintain fair access to justice for all.”

Specifically on probate, the Government explained that: “An increase to the probate application fee to £526. This recovers the cost of an ever-improving service, and the new cost accounts for rising inflation as well as investment in delivering an efficient and modern service.”

The increase is separate from the annual inflationary increases applied to many other court fees. Instead, the Government says it reflects both the underlying cost of providing the probate service and continued investment in digital improvements.

The Ministry of Justice also confirmed that the changes remain subject to parliamentary approval before taking effect on 13 July 2026.

A welcome reduction in document copy fees

While the headline increase has attracted attention, executors will benefit from a substantial reduction in the cost of obtaining additional probate documents.

Currently, each additional copy of a Grant of Probate requested alongside an application costs £16. From 13 July, this will fall to just £2 per copy.

The Government says the new fee “will better reflect the cost of that service”, suggesting that advances in digital processes have significantly reduced the administrative cost of producing additional copies.

Although many organisations now accept digital or office copies, some banks, investment providers and other financial institutions still request sealed copies during estate administration. For estates with multiple asset holders, the reduction could save executors a meaningful amount.

Industry reaction

The scale of the increase has prompted criticism from legal professionals, many of whom question whether the higher fee is justified given the probate service’s well-publicised delays in recent years.

The Times reported that solicitors have criticised the 75% increase, arguing that it adds hundreds of pounds to the administrative costs faced by bereaved families despite ongoing concerns about the efficiency of the probate system.

Several law firms have also expressed concern that the increase comes at a difficult time for executors already dealing with rising professional fees, property costs and inheritance tax administration.

Private client specialists at Blandy & Blandy described the increase as representing “more than 75%” and highlighted that families should consider submitting probate applications before the new fees take effect where possible.

Comments across the legal profession have also been sceptical of the Government’s description of an “ever-improving service”. Contributors to the Trusts Discussion Forum noted that many practitioners have yet to experience significant improvements, with one commenting that the phrase was “the best joke I’ve heard in a while.” While anecdotal, such remarks reflect wider frustration among probate professionals over historic processing delays.

What does this mean for executors?

For estates requiring probate after 13 July 2026, the increased application fee should be factored into the overall cost of estate administration. Although the probate fee is paid from estate funds rather than by executors personally, it still reduces the value ultimately available for beneficiaries.

For accountants advising executors, personal representatives and family members, the changes underline the importance of early planning and ensuring applications are submitted promptly where possible.

The reduction in copy fees offers some welcome savings, but for most estates it is unlikely to offset the additional £226 payable for the probate application itself.

Looking ahead

The probate fee increase reflects the Government’s continued focus on recovering more of the operational cost of running HM Courts & Tribunals Service, while funding ongoing investment in digital services. Whether executors experience the “efficient and modern service” described by the Ministry of Justice will likely determine whether the increase is viewed as justified.

For advisers supporting clients through estate administration, staying aware of the new fee structure will be essential when estimating administration costs and managing expectations for bereaved families.