Families and Executors applying for probate later this year will face a significant increase in court fees.

The government has announced an increase in probate fees, due to take effect from 13 July 2026.

The current probate application fee is £300 with additional copies of the Grant currently costing £16 each. Probate fees were previously increased from £273 to £300 in May 2024 and the copy Grants fee was increased from £1.50 to £16 in November 2025. (Probate Office Copy Fees to Rise Sharply – Phillips Law)

From 13 July 2026, the probate application fee will increase to £526 – an increase of more than 75%.

The fee is payable by the estate when the probate application is submitted. Where there are insufficient liquid assets available, the Executor may need to fund the application fee personally and then reimburse themselves from the estate once funds become accessible.

The fee for obtaining copies of the Grant at the time of application will, however, reduce from £16 to £2. 

It is important to carefully consider how many copies of the Grant may be required, particularly where there are numerous assets to collect in. Obtaining an adequate number of copies at the application stage may prove more cost-effective than ordering additional copies later.

If you are dealing with an estate that is approaching the probate application stage, you may wish to consider whether an application can be submitted before the fee increase takes effect.

If you require any assistance in relation to estate administration our Wills, Trusts and Probate team are on hand.

Written by Sian Lias, Partner and Practice Group Head.

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Government update: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/court-and-tribunal-fees-updates-from-july-2026