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Probate fees to increase from 26 January 2022

Probate fees will increase to £273 per application from 26 January 2022, it has been confirmed.

The flat fee will apply to both individuals and legal professionals, removing the probate practitioner discount.

Here’s what you need to know.

What’s changing?

Where an estate is valued at more than £5,000, individuals are currently charged £215, while probate professionals are charged £155.

But from 26 January 2022, the fee for both types of applications will increase to a flat £273.

This represents a hike of 27 per cent for individuals and 76 per cent for solicitors.

What happened to the proposed banded fee structure?

The flat fee replaces plans to implement a banded fee structure based on the size of the estate, which was abandoned in 2019.

Why are the fees changing?

HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) said the changes reflect the rising costs of processing probate applications.

“These fees will fully fund our investment in a first-class digital probate service to ensure shorter waiting times, fewer user and administrative errors and a better experience for families,” said a Ministry of Justice (MoJ) spokesperson.

“Every penny will go towards the cost of processing probate applications – something that is currently subsidised by taxpayers.”

Probate professionals cautiously welcomed the new rules, but hope the new fees will improve the quality and speed of service.

“Although we are pleased that the increase to probate fees is more rational than previous proposals, and we agree that fees charged should cover the cost of providing the service, we have concerns about the fact that this is being brought in at a time when families are suffering due to the service still being subject to significant delays,” said solicitors’ association STEP.

Get advice today

For help and advice with related matters, please get in touch with our estate planning and probate team today.