What the Probate Fee Increase Means for Executors

If you are acting as the executor of a loved one’s estate, it is important to be aware that probate fees are increasing. The new fees, which come into effect from 13 July, mean that executors applying for probate after this date may pay more than those who submit their application beforehand.

While the increase is something to be aware of, it is equally important to ensure that your application is completed correctly. Rushing the process simply to meet the deadline could lead to mistakes and unnecessary delays. In this guide, we explain what probate is, what the fee changes mean and how our probate solicitors can support you through the process.

What Is Probate?

Probate is the legal process of administering a person’s estate after they have died. Where the deceased has left a valid Will, the executor will usually need to obtain a Grant of Probate through Probate services before they can deal with assets such as property, bank accounts and investments. If there is no Will, a family member may need to apply for Letters of Administration instead.

Not every estate requires probate, but where it is needed, executors are responsible for valuing the estate, settling any outstanding debts and taxes, and distributing the remaining assets to the beneficiaries. As executors have legal responsibilities throughout the process, it is important to ensure everything is completed accurately.

What Is Changing?

From 13 July 2026, the probate application fee will increase from £300 to £526, representing an increase of 75%. The fee is payable to HM Courts & Tribunals Service and applies whether you submit the application yourself or instruct a solicitor to act on your behalf.

Whilst the increase may encourage some executors to submit their applications before the new fees take effect, the most important consideration should always be ensuring the application is complete and accurate. Missing information or errors within an application can lead to delays that are far more frustrating than the fee increase itself.

Can Executors Beat the Deadline?

Whether you can submit your probate application before the new fees come into effect will depend on how far the estate administration has progressed. If you have already identified the estate’s assets and liabilities, obtained the necessary valuations and gathered the required documentation, it may be possible to apply before the deadline.

However, where further information is still needed or Inheritance Tax matters remain outstanding, meeting the deadline may not be realistic. Executors should avoid rushing an application solely to benefit from the current fee, as an incorrect or incomplete application is more likely to result in delays.

Will There Be Delays?

With probate fees increasing, it is possible that HM Courts & Tribunals Service could see a surge in applications from executors hoping to submit their probate application before the new fees take effect. Whilst this may lead to increased demand, there is no guarantee that applications submitted close to the deadline will be processed before the fee changes come into force.

Executors should also remember that the probate application process cannot begin until all the necessary information has been gathered. If valuations, tax matters or supporting documents are still outstanding, rushing an application may lead to errors or delays. Preparing your application as early as possible and ensuring it is completed accurately is likely to be more beneficial than simply trying to beat the deadline.

What Should Executors Do Now?

If you are currently administering an estate, preparing early can help make the probate process more straightforward. Executors should:

• Identify all assets and liabilities.
• Establish whether a Grant of Probate is required.
• Obtain accurate valuations where necessary.
• Consider any Inheritance Tax obligations.
• Gather the documentation required for the probate application.

Taking these steps at an early stage can help minimise delays and ensure you are in the best possible position to submit your application.

How Can our Probate Solicitors Help?

Administering an estate can be both time-consuming and emotionally challenging. Our experienced probate solicitors can guide you through every stage of the process, whether you simply need advice on obtaining a Grant of Probate or would like us to manage the estate administration on your behalf.

We can prepare and submit probate applications, advise on Inheritance Tax matters, liaise with financial institutions and help ensure everything is handled correctly. If you have any questions about the probate fee changes or require support with administering an estate, our team is here to help.