Probate fees jump 75%: why a trust can help your family
The fee to unlock a loved one's estate has risen to £526 this month, a timely nudge to think about how your money will actually reach the people you leave behind.
From 13 July 2026, the fee that families in England and Wales pay to apply for probate went up by 75%, rising from £300 to £526. Probate is the legal go-ahead you need before you can deal with someone's money and property after they die, and the fee applies to any estate worth more than £5,000. Back in May 2024 it was £273, so the cost has almost doubled in a couple of years. The government says the increase reflects inflation and investment in a more "efficient and modern" service.
On its own, £526 will not break most estates. But experts say the change is a helpful reminder that getting your affairs in order is about more than writing a will. Meg Kirby, founder of estate planning firm LegaCare, told the trade magazine COVER that good planning goes well beyond a will alone. Insurance specialists are also encouraging families to look again at trusts, and at naming who should receive money directly, so that loved ones are not left waiting.
Based on reporting by COVER (8 July 2026). Information only, not advice.
Information only. This is general information, not financial, tax or legal advice, and not a personal recommendation. Fees and rules apply to England and Wales and can change. Tax rules depend on your circumstances and can change. Please speak to a qualified, FCA-regulated adviser before acting.