Probate application fee set to increase from July 2026

The government has announced two significant changes that will affect estate administration in England and Wales. Coming into force in July 2026, these measures will have a notable impact on Executors and Administrators.

Last week, the Ministry of Justice announced plans to introduce several changes to court and tribunal fees charged by HM Courts and Tribunals Service. Subject to parliamentary approval, these changes will take effect on 13 July 2026 and could affect the cost of various legal applications and proceedings.

1. The cost of probate applications will increase to £526

The government charges fees for issuing a Grant of Probate or Grant of Letters of Administration. Currently, these fees are:

• £300 if the estate value is £5,000 or more
• No fee if the estate value is under £5,000

From 13 July 2026, the probate application fee will increase to £526 - a rise of more than 75%. This follows a previous increase in 2024, when the fee rose from £273 to £300, meaning the cost of applying for probate has nearly doubled in just two years.

The Ministry of Justice has defended the increase, stating, "This recovers the cost of an ever-improving service, and the new costs account for rising inflation as well as investment in delivering an efficient and modern service." However, the substantial increase is likely to place additional financial pressure on bereaved families at an already difficult time.

The Executor or Administrator of an estate must pay this fee before the Grant can be issued. While the fee is typically paid from the estate funds, there may be circumstances where insufficient liquid assets are available at the outset. In such cases, the Personal Representative may need to pay the application fee personally and reclaim the cost from the estate once funds become available.

2. The cost of additional copies of a Grant of Probate will decrease to £2

Following criticism of the November 2025 decision to increase the cost of ordering additional copies of a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration from £1.50 to £16 per copy, an increase of almost 967%, the Government has since reversed its position, reducing the fee to £2 per copy. The Ministry of Justice stated this change is intended to "better reflect the cost of that service".

It is important to note that this reduced fee only applies where additional copies are requested at the same time as the probate application is submitted. If additional copies are ordered after the probate application has been completed, the original fee of £16 per copy will continue to apply. 

It is important to carefully consider how many copies of a Grant may be required, particularly where there are multiple assets to be collected. It is generally advisable to obtain a copy for each financial institution in which the deceased held funds, as several institutions may need to see the Grant simultaneously. Having sufficient copies in place can help streamline the administration process, allowing multiple assets to be dealt with at the same time and reducing avoidable delays.

Requesting additional copies at the application stage is typically more cost-effective than ordering them later.

Institutions that may ask to see a Grant document may include:

• Bank/building societies
• Pension providers
• Insurance providers
• NS&I (Premium Bonds)
• Share registrars
• Local councils
• Management companies for leasehold properties

What these changes mean for you

Overall, the changes to probate fees from July 2026 represent a notable shift in both cost and planning requirements for Executors and Administrators. The increase in the probate application fee to £526 will raise the upfront cost of obtaining a Grant, potentially creating short-term cash flow pressures for estates with limited liquid assets. Although the fee is generally recoverable from the estate, it may still require Personal Representatives to fund the application initially in some cases.

At the same time, the revised structure for ordering additional copies of the Grant places greater emphasis on early planning. While copies ordered at the time of application will be significantly cheaper, any additional copies requested later will remain more expensive, making it essential to assess asset holdings and required institutions at an early stage. In practice, Executors and Administrators will need to take a more proactive approach to estimating the number of Grants required to avoid unnecessary cost and delays in estate administration.

How Kings Court Trust can help

We are a multi-award-winning probate and estate administration provider supporting families through estate administration with care, clarity, and efficiency.

At Kings Court Trust, we aim to make probate as straightforward as possible. From handling paperwork to managing complex legal processes, we take care of the details so you can focus on what matters most. Our approach combines Technical Specialists with structured case management and clear communication, helping to support Executors and Administrators through even the most complex estates.

For clients, they can rely on our specialist knowledge, excellent service, and transparent fixed fee pricing 

Our partners can be confident that their clients will receive both expert guidance and a high standard of care. 

Whether we are supporting families directly or working alongside professional partners, our aim is always to deliver a probate service that is transparent, dependable, and designed around the needs of each estate.

If you have any questions or need any support with estate administration, please get in touch with us by emailing ClientServicesTeam@kctrust.co.uk or calling 0300 303 9000.