Intestate
If someone has died intestate you may need a probate solicitor to help deal with the estate, this guide helps explain the steps needed...link
Probate fees.
Probate is the legal process that grants someone authority to manage the estate of a person who has died. This may involve collecting assets, paying debts, dealing with inheritance tax and distributing the estate to the beneficiaries.
In England and Wales, a fee may be payable when applying for a grant of probate or letters of administration. The fee depends on the value of the estate and is separate from any inheritance tax that may be due.
Current Probate Application Fees
At present, there is no probate application fee if the estate is valued at £5,000 or less. If the estate is valued at more than £5,000, the probate application fee is £300.
This fee applies whether the application is made personally by an executor or administrator or through a solicitor. Additional official copies of the probate document can also be ordered, which can be useful when dealing with banks, building societies and other organisations at the same time.
Probate Fee Increase from July 2026
The Government has announced that from 13 July 2026 the probate application fee will increase from £300 to £526. The Government has also announced a reduced fee for additional copies requested at the same time as the probate application.
Because probate fees can change, it is sensible to check the current fee before making an application or to ask a probate solicitor to confirm the up-to-date position.
Probate Fees and Inheritance Tax
Probate fees are separate from inheritance tax. Inheritance tax may be payable depending on the value of the estate, available allowances, exemptions and reliefs. The standard inheritance tax rate is 40% on the portion of the estate above the available tax-free thresholds, although the actual position can vary depending on the circumstances.
Getting Probate Advice
Probate can be straightforward in some cases, but more complicated where there is inheritance tax, property, business assets, foreign assets, missing beneficiaries, disputes or uncertainty about the will. A solicitor who deals with wills and probate can help executors and administrators understand their responsibilities and complete the probate process correctly.
Find a Probate Solicitor
To find a solicitor who may be able to help with probate, estate administration or inheritance tax issues, use the search facility, select Wills and Probate and enter your location.
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