Partner Article

New increase on probate court fees to hit UK families

The Ministry of Justice has now confirmed that the Government is pressing ahead with substantial increases in Probate Court fees.

This decision arises despite arguments against the move by both The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners and the majority of respondents to the Government consultation process.

The new fees are likely to take effect from May of this year and mean that for some estates, Probate Court fees are rising by over 12,900%.

Richard Ashton, Head of Trusts and Estates at Linder Myers, comments “The fee increases are very worrying and some say are just another tax on death, hitting families, particularly those involved in farming, very hard.

At Linder Myers we look after our clients and will endeavour where at all possible to get Probate applications lodged before the fee increases start to bite.“

There is currently a flat rate of £155 no matter how big the estate.

We outline the new structure below.

New fee structure Value of estate (before Inheritance Tax)

Up to £50,000 or exempt from requiring a grant of probate

Proposed Fee - £0

Exceeds £50,000 but does not exceed £300,000

Proposed Fee - £300

Exceeds £300,000 but does not exceed £500,000

Proposed Fee - £1,000

Exceeds £500,000 but does not exceed £1M

Proposed Fee - £4,000

Exceeds £1M but does not exceed £1.6M

Proposed Fee - £8,000

Exceeds £1.6M but does not exceed £2M

Proposed Fee - £12,000

Above £2M

Proposed Fee - £20,000

For specialist advice and support regarding Probate applications before the new Court fees are implemented, please do not hesitate to contact Richard Ashton of our Trusts & Estates department on 01743 218463, or email us on enquiries@lindermyers.co.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Linder Myers Solicitors .