The cost of applying for probate in England and Wales has increased, meaning executors and families may need to allow more for the administration of an estate.
For estates valued at more than £5,000, the probate application fee is now £526. There is no probate application fee where the estate is valued at £5,000 or less.
Although this is only one part of dealing with an estate, it is an important cost to be aware of, particularly where family members are already trying to manage practical, emotional and financial matters after a bereavement.
What has changed?
The main change is the increase to the probate application fee.
The current probate application fee is:
- £526 for estates valued at more than £5,000
- No fee for estates valued at £5,000 or less
There has also been a change to the cost of ordering extra copies of the probate document. When extra copies are requested at the same time as the probate application, they now cost £2 each. If additional copies are requested after the application has already been submitted, they cost £16 each.
It is often sensible to request several copies when applying, as banks, investment providers and other organisations may each ask to see an official copy.
What is probate?
Probate is the legal process that gives someone authority to deal with a person’s estate after they have died.
Where there is a valid will, the people named as executors usually apply for a Grant of Probate. Where there is no valid will, an eligible person may need to apply for Letters of Administration instead.
The grant allows the personal representatives to deal with assets such as property, bank accounts, savings, investments and other possessions. It may also be needed before certain organisations will release funds or allow assets to be transferred.
Not every estate needs probate. Whether it is required will depend on the value and type of assets, how those assets were owned, and the requirements of the banks or organisations involved.
What does the increase mean for executors?
The increase means executors should allow for a higher upfront cost when dealing with an estate.
The probate application fee is usually paid as part of the estate administration process. In many cases, this cost can be recovered from the estate, but it may still need to be paid before all assets have been released.
Executors should also keep clear records of any costs paid on behalf of the estate. This can help avoid confusion later, especially where there are several beneficiaries or where the estate takes time to administer.
Can you get help with probate fees?
Help may be available for people on a low income or certain benefits through the Government’s Help with Fees scheme.
However, it is important to check the rules carefully before applying. If you apply for probate online, you may need to pay the full probate fee first and receive a refund later if your Help with Fees application is successful.
Help with Fees does not cover the cost of extra copies of the probate document.
Why planning ahead matters
Probate is often easier for families when someone has left their affairs in good order. A valid will, clear records and well-organised paperwork can make the process more straightforward for executors.
Useful steps can include:
- Keeping your will up to date
- Making sure executors know where important documents are stored
- Keeping a clear list of assets, pensions, accounts and policies
- Reviewing how property and bank accounts are owned
- Taking advice where there are trusts, business assets, overseas assets or inheritance tax considerations
Good estate planning cannot remove every difficulty, but it can make the administrative burden lighter for those left behind.
When should you seek advice?
It may be worth seeking professional advice if:
- The estate includes property
- There is inheritance tax to consider
- There are several beneficiaries
- There is no valid will
- There are disputes or concerns between family members
- The estate includes trusts, business interests or overseas assets
- You are unsure whether probate is needed
At Liberty Estate Planning, we help clients understand the probate process and what may be required when administering an estate. We can also advise on wills, estate planning and related matters to help families prepare more clearly for the future.
Speak to Liberty Estate Planning
If you are dealing with an estate and are unsure whether probate is needed, or if you would like to review your own estate planning arrangements, please contact our team.
We can explain the options clearly and help you understand the next steps.
Contact Liberty Estate Planning to discuss probate, wills or estate planning.
Frequently asked questions
For estates valued at more than £5,000, the probate application fee is now £526. There is no application fee for estates valued at £5,000 or less.
No. Probate is not needed for every estate. It depends on the value and type of assets, how they were owned, and what individual banks or organisations require before releasing them.
Extra copies cost £2 each when ordered at the same time as the probate application. Additional copies requested after the application has been submitted cost £16 each.
In many cases, probate-related costs can be recovered from the estate. However, the application fee may need to be paid before all estate funds have been released, so executors should keep careful records.
Help may be available through the Government’s Help with Fees scheme if you are on a low income or receive certain benefits. The rules should be checked before applying.
A Grant of Probate is usually issued when there is a valid will and named executors. Letters of Administration are usually needed when there is no valid will, or where the named executors cannot act.