Significant rise in fees for estate matters

The Ministry of Justice has increased fees for documents required for the management of estates after someone has died. Amendments under The Court and Public Guardian Fees (Miscellaneous Amendments) Order 2025, which supersede The Non-Contentious Probate Fees Order 2004 impose an increase by nearly 1000%. 

As of 17 November 2025, the cost of copy grants of probate, letters of administration and wills jumped from £1.50 per copy to £16.

The Government have justified the increase stating the previous level was too low and below the true cost of administering the service. In an explanatory memorandum that accompanies the legislation, the Government states the new fees will “ensure HMCTS can continue to deliver its services effectively”.

This increase is together with the rise in application fees for registering a single Lasting Power of Attorney from £82 to £92. 

There is apprehension that the increase in fees will not only prolong administration of estates, a process which can already be long and arduous, but also concern administrators who may already be worrying about the level of inheritance tax that may be payable. 

Grieving families have been hit by an 11-fold increase in the cost of obtaining copies of legal documents needed to manage someone’s estate after they die.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/probate/funerals/grieving-families-hit-by-11-fold-increase-probate-fees/