Families applying for probate are set to see significant changes to court fees from 13 July 2026, subject to parliamentary approval. While the cost of making a probate application is increasing substantially, there is some welcome news for those who need official copies of the Grant of Probate.

Probate application fee increases

The court fee for applying for probate will increase from £300 to £526 for estates where a fee is payable.

The Ministry of Justice says the increase reflects rising inflation and the cost of investing in a more efficient and modern probate service.

The probate fee is a court fee paid to HM Courts & Tribunals Service. It is separate from any legal fees for administering an estate and is usually paid from the estate itself, although executors may sometimes need to pay it initially and recover the cost later.

Lower cost for sealed copies

There is some positive news alongside the increase.

If you order sealed copies of the Grant of Probate at the same time as making your probate application, the cost will fall from £16 to £2 per copy. The Government says this better reflects the actual cost of providing the service.

Sealed copies can be useful where several banks, investment providers or other organisations need to see an official copy of the grant before releasing assets.

What does this mean for families?

For many families, the higher application fee will increase the upfront cost of administering an estate. However, those who require several sealed copies of the Grant of Probate may find that the reduced copy fee helps offset some of the additional expense.

If you expect to need probate in the near future, it is sensible to obtain legal advice as early as possible so that you understand the likely costs and can prepare accordingly.

How we can help

Administering an estate can be complex, particularly at a difficult time following the loss of a loved one. Our experienced probate team can guide executors and families through every stage of the probate process, ensuring applications are prepared accurately and efficiently while providing clear advice on costs from the outset.

Further information

These rises are part of a series of changes to court and tribunal fees, being made by the Ministry of Justice – find out more here .There is also a Help with Fees remissions scheme for those with lower financial means. You can find out if you are eligible here