Probate Court Fees Rise to £526 in 2026 – Is That Fair?
By Stephen Pett | The Probate Department
From 6 July 2026, the government increased the standard probate application fee in England and Wales from £300 to £526.
That is an increase of more than 75% in a single step.
The government argues that the higher charge reflects the cost of providing and improving the Probate Service.
I am less convinced.
My particular objection is that the same fee applies to an estate worth £6,000 as to an estate worth £6 million.
Surely a system that imposes the same charge on estates of such vastly different values deserves closer examination?
What Are the New Probate Fees?
As at October 2026:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Estate worth £5,000 or less | Free |
| Estate worth over £5,000 | £526 |
| Extra copies ordered with the application | £2 each |
| Copies ordered later | £16 each |
| Second or subsequent grant application | £22 |
These are government fees, not solicitors’ or probate practitioners’ charges.
For example, applying for probate and ordering four additional copies now costs £534.
Why I Believe the Increase Is Unfair
Consider two estates:
Estate A: £6,000, requiring a grant.
Estate B: £1 million, also requiring a grant.
Both face the same £526 application fee.
For the smaller estate, that represents nearly 9% of its value. For the larger estate, it represents just over 0.05%.
I appreciate that a fixed application fee does not necessarily reflect the value of the assets involved. The Probate Service must undertake administrative work regardless of estate size.
Nevertheless, I believe the impact on modest estates deserves greater consideration.
After all, executors are usually dealing with someone else’s affairs at an already difficult time.
Do You Always Need Probate?
No.
Some estates can be administered without a Grant of Probate, depending on the assets, ownership arrangements and requirements of financial institutions.
The £5,000 fee threshold does not determine whether probate is legally necessary.
Before applying, executors should establish whether a grant is actually required.
Can You Get Help Paying?
Possibly.
The government’s Help with Fees scheme may provide assistance for eligible applicants with limited income or savings, including some people receiving qualifying benefits.
The scheme does not cover the cost of additional copies of the grant.
See GOV.UK – Help with Court Fees.
Don’t Confuse Probate Court Fees With Professional Fees
The £526 fee is only the government’s application charge.
Solicitors and probate practitioners charge separately for their work.
Executors may be able to apply themselves, obtain limited professional assistance or instruct somebody to administer the whole estate.
Understanding those choices can make a considerable difference to the total cost.
For more information, see our guide to reducing probate costs.
Check the Latest Fees Before Applying
Court fees can change, so always check the official figures before making an application.
GOV.UK – Current Probate Application Fees
The Probate Department provides independent information to help executors understand their responsibilities, avoid unnecessary costs and make informed decisions.
The views expressed about the fairness of government probate fees are my personal opinions.