Probate Application Fee Increases by 75% in July 2026

In July 2026, the government increased the probate application fee by more than 75%, adding to the costs faced by executors and families administering a loved one’s estate.

For anyone acting as executor, understanding how much the probate fee now costs and when it is payable can help avoid unexpected delays and expenses.

At Hibberts Solicitors, our specialist wills, trusts, and probate solicitors in Cheshire and Shropshire help executors and families to navigate every stage of the probate process.

In this article, we’ll explain how and why probate fees were increased in July 2026, who is responsible for paying the fee, and what other costs families and executors need to be aware of when administering an estate.

How much is the probate application fee in 2026?

The probate application fee was increased on 13 July 2026 from £300 to £526 – that’s a 75% increase.

The fee is still only applicable to estates valued at over £5,000. Estates worth under £5,000 are still exempt.

The fee when requesting additional copies of probate documents during a probate application has also changed. Thankfully, this change is good news for executors, with the fee falling from £16 to £2.

Why has the probate fee been increased?

The Ministry of Justice stated that the probate fee increase 2026 “recovers the cost of an ever-improving service, and accounts for rising inflation as well as investment in delivering an efficient and modern service.”

Who has to pay the fee?

The probate application fee is paid by the executor, or the administrator if there is no will. The fee is an expense of the estate, not a personal cost to the executor. If the Executor or Administrator do not have access to estate funds, then they may need to pay the fee themselves and recover the cost from the estate later in the process.

When is the probate fee paid?

The fee should be paid when the probate application is submitted. The Grant of Probate cannot be issued until the fee has been paid.

What other probate costs should executors be aware of?

The probate application fee is just one of the expenses that the executor will need to pay when administering the estate. The full list of expenses due depends on factors like the size and complexity of the estate, the types of assets involved, and whether professional advice is needed.

Other costs that executors may need to budget for include:

• Solicitors’ fees – Seeking support from a specialist probate solicitor can make the process significantly easier to deal with.
• Property valuation fees – Sometimes required to establish a property’s value for probate or inheritance tax purposes.
• Probate valuation or accountancy fees – Important if the estate includes business assets, investments, or complex financial arrangements.
• Inheritance tax – If inheritance tax is due, this will also need to be paid before probate can be granted.
• Estate agent and conveyancing fees – May be required if property forming part of the estate is going to be sold.
• Statutory notices to creditors – Placing notices in The Gazette and a local newspaper allows unknown creditors to come forward, protecting the executor from personal liability.

Why speak to Hibberts Solicitors’ probate team before applying for probate?

Now the probate fee has increased, getting the application right first time is more important than ever. Seeking specialist legal advice at the start of the process can help to minimise delays and prevent the risk of costly mistakes that could further increase costs.

The probate process can be complex, but fortunately you don’t need to navigate it alone. At Hibberts Solicitors, our specialist probate solicitors provide invaluable, practical, and compassionate legal support at a difficult time, making a complex process easier and avoiding unnecessary delays.

Whether you need help applying for probate, administering an estate, or dealing with inheritance tax, let us take the weight off your shoulders with straightforward legal advice, tailored to you.

To speak to one of our probate specialists, contact Hibberts Solicitors today by calling 01270 624 225 or emailing enquiries@hibberts.com.