Unfair Probate Fee Hike Scrapped

The Government has thankfully abandoned plans to increase the probate fees which would have seen a rise from the current fixed fee of £155 (with a solicitor) or £255 to a sliding scale of up to £6000 depending on the size of the state. Several organisations including the Law Society vigorously campaigned against the proposed hikes, which were seen as unfair and a tax on grief.

The Justice Secretary Robert Buckland said ‘that the government has listened very carefully to the strong views aired on the proposed new probate fees, while fees are necessary to properly fund our world leading court system they must be fair and proportionate.

The current proposals will now be withdrawn and the court fees will be considered as pare of the annual wider review.

The news will be welcomed by all those involved in the administration of an estate.

If you are dealing with Probate and need help and guidance, the Wills and Probate team at Wrigley Claydon will be happy to help. We offer a free initial consultation. Please call Rachel Damianou or Jyoti Patel on 0161 624 6811 option 3.