Probate fees apply to estates valued above £5,000 and have increased significantly in recent years, rising from £273 in May 2024.
The government said the latest rise reflects inflationary pressures and funding needed to provide a more efficient, modern probate service. The changes are intended to improve cost recovery, create greater consistency in fee structures and support access to justice.
Meg Kirby, founder of LegaCare, told COVER that the increase highlights the importance of wider estate planning beyond simply having a will in place. While the additional charge may be relatively small compared with the value of an estate, she said it underlines the need to ensure beneficiaries can access funds as smoothly as possible.
Kirby also highlighted the role of the life insurance sector, noting that placing more policies in trust could help keep proceeds outside an estate for probate purposes. This can allow funds to reach trustees and beneficiaries more quickly, providing vital financial support for families facing immediate costs such as funeral expenses, bills and loss of income.