Probate application fees increase from July 2026

Anyone applying for a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration should be aware of changes to probate application fees that came into effect on 13 July 2026.

The fee for submitting a probate application has increased from £300 to £526 – an increase of more than 75%. This change is likely to affect many individuals and families who are responsible for administering an estate.

What has changed?

The increase in the application fee is the most significant change, but there is also a reduction in the cost of additional office copies. The cost of ordering additional office copies of a Grant of Probate at the time of an application has fallen significantly, from £16 per copy to just £2 per copy.

These copies are often needed when dealing with banks, building societies, investment providers and other organisations during the administration of an estate. While this reduction will help lower some administration costs, it is unlikely to offset the increase in the probate application fee for most estates.

What does this mean for executors and administrators?

Obtaining probate is often an essential step before an estate can be administered. It allows executors or administrators to collect assets, settle debts and distribute the estate to beneficiaries.

Although the probate application fee is usually treated as an expense of the estate, it must normally be paid when the application is submitted. This means the person handling the estate may need to pay the fee before they have access to the estate assets.

As a result, the increase is likely to add to the upfront costs involved in administering an estate.

Contact our Team

If you need help with probate or administering an estate, our experienced Private Client team is here to support you. We can guide you through every stage of the probate and estate administration process, helping to make things as straightforward as possible during what can often be a difficult time.

To speak to a member of our team, call 01329 288 121 or email enquiries@warnergoodman.co.uk. We're here to help you move forward with confidence.