Two important changes have been announced that will impact estate administration and lifetime planning in England and Wales. These updates take effect in November 2025 and may have a noticeable impact on Executors, Administrators, and those preparing Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA).
1. Amendments to the Non-Contentious Probate Rules
From 3 November 2025, the Non-Contentious Probate (Amendment) Rules 2025 came into force. These changes modernise several processes and clarify how certain probate applications are handled.
Key updates include:
- Priority for applications in intestacy cases: When multiple people are equally entitled to apply for Letters of Administration, a district Judge or Registrar will now have the authority to decide who should take priority. Before this, it had always been a ‘race’ to obtain the Grant.
- Online applications made by Trust corporations: Trust corporations will only be able to apply for a Grant of Probate through the online portal. This will hopefully have a positive impact and speed up the Grant being issued.
- Revised caveat process: A Grant may now be revoked if a caveat is later found to have been lodged before the Grant was issued.
Increased costs for official copies of Grants of Probate
Alongside these rule changes, the fee for each official copy of a Grant will increase from £1.50 to £16. This represents a significant rise, particularly as most professionals and Executors order multiple copies to manage estates efficiently.
For example:
Application fee for a Grant of Probate: £300
Five official copies at £16 each: £80
Total cost: £380
This highlights the importance of careful planning when requesting copies, especially where multiple financial institutions require original sealed Grants.
2. Increase in fees for Lasting Powers of Attorney
From 17 November 2025, the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) will increase the registration fee for each LPA from £82 to £92. If an individual registers both a Property and Financial Affairs LPA and a Health and Welfare LPA, the total cost will rise from £164 to £184. Fee remissions and exemptions will continue to apply for those on low incomes or certain benefits.
Anyone considering putting LPAs in place may wish to submit their application before this date to benefit from the lower fee.
What these updates mean for you
These updates reflect the Government’s ongoing move towards digital processes and cost recovery within estate and Power of Attorney services. For professionals and Personal Representatives, it means:
- Adjusting budgets and client quotes to reflect the increased costs.
- Ensuring familiarity with the new online processes and caveat rules.
Kings Court Trust will continue to monitor these developments and keep you informed as the changes take effect.
