The Estate Registry, (TER) a leading UK specialist in end-of-life administration services, including NotifyNOW, Settld and InheritNOW, has expressed concern following confirmation that probate application fees are set to increase significantly from July 2026, adding further financial pressure to families already navigating bereavement and estate administration.
Under new court fee proposals announced by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), the cost of submitting a probate application will increase from £300 to £526 from 13 July 2026, subject to parliamentary approval. The increase represents a rise of more than 75% in just two years, following the previous increase introduced in 2024.
The changes form part of a wider review of court and tribunal fees, with the government introducing increases across more than 170 fees administered by HM Courts and Tribunals Service. According to the Ministry of Justice, the revised probate fee is intended to support the costs of delivering a more modern and efficient probate service while accounting for inflation and continued investment.
Howard Enders, Chief Operating Officer at The Estate Registry says: “While improvements to the probate system are welcome, we would argue the scale of the increase highlights the growing financial burden placed on executors and families at a particularly difficult time.
“For many families, probate costs arrive at one of the most challenging periods of their lives. The increase to £526 may appear modest in isolation, but when combined with legal fees, valuation costs, inheritance tax considerations and other administrative expenses, the overall financial impact can be significant.”
“Estate administration has become increasingly complex in recent years. Any additional costs inevitably place greater pressure on those who are already coping with bereavement and the practical responsibilities that follow a death.”
The probate application fee is payable regardless of the size of the estate, meaning smaller estates can be disproportionately affected by rising administrative costs. The Estate Registry says the latest changes reinforce the importance of preparing estate information in advance and ensuring executors understand the responsibilities they may face.
TER has, however, welcomed one element of the government’s announcement. Following criticism of the decision to increase the cost of obtaining copies of probate grants, wills and letters of administration from £1.50 to £16 per copy in late 2025, the Ministry of Justice has confirmed the introduction of a reduced fee for documents requested at the same time as a probate application.
Under the new arrangement, copies ordered at the same time as the application will cost £2 each rather than £16.
Enders says: “The introduction of a lower fee for documents requested alongside the application is a positive and pragmatic step. Families often require multiple copies for financial institutions and administrative purposes, so reducing this cost should help ease at least part of the burden.”
The Ministry of Justice has stated that the overall changes are intended to strengthen cost recovery, improve consistency in court fees and maintain access to justice. Nevertheless, The Estate Registry says there remains a need for greater public understanding of the probate process and the costs associated with administering an estate.
Research and client experience consistently show that many individuals underestimate both the time and expense involved in dealing with estates after a death. Locating assets, identifying liabilities, notifying organisations and completing the necessary legal and administrative procedures can often take many months.
As a specialist provider of end-of-life administration services, The Estate Registry supports families, and executors in managing these responsibilities efficiently and accurately. The organisation says early preparation, clear record-keeping and professional guidance can help reduce delays and minimise unexpected costs.
Enders adds: “These changes serve as a reminder that estate administration is not simply a legal process but also a financial and administrative one. Having important information organised in advance and seeking support when needed can make a substantial difference for those left behind.”
