The probate fee is being increased in May 2024
Following a Government consultation in November 2023, the standard probate fee (which is currently £273) will rise to £300 from May 2024. The probate fees increase in fees is said to allow an increase in staffing which it is hoped will alleviate the continued delays at the Probate Registry. It is currently taking an average of 16 weeks for the Registry to deal with an online probate application and 22 weeks for a paper application.
The fee is payable when an application for a Grant of Representation is made in an estate that has a value of £5,000 or more. There are many types of Grant of Representation, with the most common one being the Grant of Probate. The Grant is a document that authorises the executors to deal with a deceased person’s assets, allowing them to sell the deceased’s property, or collect in monies from a bank account.
A Grant of Probate is not required in every estate, and is not usually needed where the deceased’s assets are modest, or if their property was jointly owned — as these will automatically pass to the surviving owners.
The process can be complicated, especially where there is inheritance tax to pay. In most cases you’ll have to pay at least some of the tax before probate will be granted. You can apply for a Grant in England and Wales yourself, or you can use a solicitor who specialises in this area of practice.
Applications can be made online or by post. If applying online then both the original Will and the original death certificate will need to be uploaded, and the original Will must then be sent in by post.
If you have any questions relating to obtaining a Grant of Probate or administering an estate, get in contact with our friendly team of probate lawyers today. We will be happy to give you guidance on the steps required and provide details of our charges for the steps you would like us to handle on your behalf.
