When somebody dies, a Grant of Representation to the estate is normally required. If the deceased died leaving a Will, the executors need to obtain a Grant of Probate. If the person who has died, died without leaving a Will, (Intestate) the next of kin will need to obtain Letters of Administration. This document, either being Probate or Letters of Administration, will enable the Personal Representatives dealing with the individual’s estate to gather in the estate assets and pay them to the beneficiaries as per the terms of the Will or under the Rules of Intestacy, where there is no Will.
At present there is a standard Probate fee of £155.00 payable to the Probate Registry when applying for a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration through a Solicitor, or a fee of £215 if the application is made by a non-professional.
In July 2021, it was proposed by the Government to introduce one fee of £273 regardless of who makes the application to reflect the full costs of the Court system in providing the service.
The increase will apply to all applications submitted from 26 January 2022. There will still however be no fee where the value of the Estate is less than £5,000.
If you require any assistance with administering an Estate, please contact either Natalie Harvey on 02920 470909 for further advice or for an appointment to be booked