Probate fee to rise by 75% from mid-July 2026

A probate application fee is required to be paid on an estate worth more than £5,000; compared to May 2024, the fees have nearly doubled from £273. The government said the increase accounts for rising inflation and an investment in delivering an "efficient and modern" service. The rise aims to strengthen cost recovery; improve consistency in how and where fees are charged; and maintain fair access to justice for all. Meg Kirby, founder, LegaCare, told COVER this is a reminder that effective estate planning is about more than writing a will. Whilst the additional cost may be "relati...