As from the 1st May 2017 the Probate Court fees are set to rise from the set fee of £155 for all probate applications where the value of the estate is over £5,000 to an amount based on the value of the estate.
These fees will need to be paid prior to any distributions can be made, and therefore it seems likely that executors will have to pay the fees upfront. Occasionally, we can access small bank funds without probate just on production of a Death Certificate, which might help pay the larger fees.
The new probate fees are as follows:
| Value of estate | Fee required |
| 0-£50,000 | Nil |
| £50,001-£300,000 | £300 |
| £300,001-£500,000 | £1000 |
| £500,001-£1,000,000 | £4000 |
| £1,000,001-£1,600,000 | £8000 |
| £1,600,001-£2,000,000 | £12,000 |
| £2,000,001 or more | £20,000 |
Applying for probate and then dealing with the estate is a complicated matter. Please speak to our Probate Solicitors near you for professional and understanding advise.
