Probate fees are set to rise by 75% from next month, hitting grieving families with an increase from £300 to £526. The hike, scheduled for July 13, still requires parliamentary approval. Probate is the legal right to manage a deceased person's estate, including property, money, and possessions.
Details of the Fee Increase
The current cost of £300 will jump to £526, a rise of £226. The Ministry of Justice stated: “This recovers the cost of an ever-improving service, and the new cost accounts for rising inflation as well as investment in delivering an efficient and modern service.” The last increase occurred in May 2024, when fees rose from £273 to £300.
Probate is typically required when an estate is worth more than £5,000, though this threshold can vary by financial institution. Jointly owned assets pass automatically to the surviving owner. If there is no will, assets are distributed according to intestacy rules.
Impact on Estates and Inheritance
In England and Wales, married or civil partnered individuals inherit the first £322,000 of an estate. For estates exceeding £322,000, the spouse receives half of the remaining assets, with the other half divided equally among children and grandchildren. Rules differ in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Those without a will may face complications. Free or low-cost will-writing options include Free Wills Month (October and March), where solicitors draft wills for free in certain locations, though a charitable donation may be suggested. Will Aid in November offers similar services UK-wide, with suggested donations of £120 for a single will or £200 for a mirror will.
