Beginning next Monday, the fee for probate applications in England and Wales will increase by 75%, rising from £300 to £526. This marks a nearly twofold increase since May 2024, when the fee was £273. Probate is the legal process that confirms the validity of a will and grants authorization to administer a deceased person’s estate. At the same time, the cost of obtaining copies of probate documents will be reduced from £16 to £2 if requested alongside the application.

The increase comes amid broader concerns about the growing financial and administrative burdens placed on bereaved families. Sarah Coles, a financial analyst at AJ Bell, described the fee hike as an additional hardship for those already facing the challenges of managing an estate after a death. She highlighted the availability of a Help with Fees remissions scheme intended to assist those unable to afford the probate charge.

To mitigate the complications that often arise during the probate process, Coles recommended several practical steps for individuals to take in advance. She stressed the importance of making a will, noting that over half of adults lack one. Without a valid will, estates are distributed according to intestacy rules, which may not reflect a person’s wishes. A will also allows for the appointment of an executor to oversee the estate.

Coles advised simplifying finances by consolidating accounts and investments where possible and maintaining a clear register of assets alongside the will. This approach can reduce the number of institutions the executor needs to contact. She also suggested writing a letter of wishes, a private document that can clarify funeral arrangements or reasons behind specific bequests.

Additionally, updating pension expression of wish forms is essential to ensure the correct beneficiaries are designated, as outdated forms sometimes list ex-partners or others no longer appropriate. Finally, keeping organized tax records, including receipts, bank statements, and pension paperwork, can ease the completion of final tax returns on behalf of the deceased.

These recommendations aim to help families navigate the escalating costs and complexities associated with probate, which can otherwise prolong and complicate the administration of estates during a difficult time.