The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has laid a statutory instrument before Parliament outlining upcoming changes to court fees across HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS). These adjustments affect a wide range of services, including probate applications, and are scheduled to take effect on 13 July 2026 (subject to parliamentary approval).

The stated aim of these changes is to strengthen cost recovery, ensure consistent fee structures, and support fair access to justice. Here is a breakdown of what is changing and how it might impact you.

Key Updates to Probate Fees

• Probate Application Fee Increase: The fee to submit a probate application will rise to £526. This follows an increase in 2024 (which set the fee at £300) and represents a significant adjustment. The MoJ stated that the higher fee reflects rising inflation and ongoing investment aimed at delivering a more modern, efficient service.
• New Concomitant Copy Fee (£2): Following widespread concern when the cost of ordering copies of probate grants, wills, or letters of administration rose to £16 per copy, a new tiered fee structure is being introduced. If you request additional copies at the same time as your initial probate application, the fee will be reduced to £2 per copy to better reflect administrative costs.

Broader Court Fee Adjustments Across HMCTS

The statutory instrument introduces updates across a total of 201 court and tribunal fees:

Adjustment Type	Scope	Details
2.6% Increase	170 fees	Adjusted in line with recent inflation for 2024/25.
34% Increase	27 fees	Reflects accumulated historical inflation (an average increase of £6.19).
Fee Reductions	4 fees	Lowered to reflect decreases in underlying operational costs.

What Should You Do Next?

If you are currently administering an estate or preparing to apply for a Grant of Probate, submitting your application prior to 13 July 2026 could help avoid the increased application fee.

Navigating probate and estate administration can be complex. At Preuveneers Solicitors, our specialist team is here to guide you through the process smoothly and cost-effectively. Contact us today to discuss how these fee changes may affect your estate plan or active probate application.