Families applying for probate should be aware of a recent change affecting the cost of official copies of the Grant of Probate in England and Wales.
While the application fee for probate itself remains unchanged, the cost of ordering additional sealed copies of the grant has increased significantly. These copies are often required by banks, pension providers, and other institutions before assets can be released or accounts closed.
What has changed?
The cost of each additional official copy of the Grant of Probate has risen from £1.50 to £16 per copy.
Multiple copies are often needed where several institutions require sight of the grant at the same time. Ordering too few copies at the outset can therefore result in higher costs later in the process.
Where someone dies without leaving a will, an application for Letters of Administration is required instead of a Grant of Probate. The same considerations around additional copies apply.
How many copies are needed?
There is no fixed rule on how many copies of the grant are required. Each organisation sets its own requirements, and these can vary.
Institutions that may request a copy include:
- Banks, building societies, and NS&I
- Pension providers and insurance companies
- Share registrars
- Local councils, for example to settle council tax matters
- Managing agents for leasehold properties
In many estates, several copies may be needed. For example, if ten copies are required, the total cost for copies alone would now be £160. This is in addition to the standard £300 probate application fee, although no application fee applies where the estate value is £5,000 or less.
Why accuracy matters
The probate process requires accurate financial and legal information. Incorrect estate values, misunderstandings around inheritance tax, or unclear instructions in a will can lead to delays, further correspondence with HMRC or the Probate Registry, and added stress for those involved.
Probate can also become more complex where:
- Inheritance tax calculations are required
- The wording of a will is unclear
- There is a risk of a claim against the estate
- Assets are held in trust
- Beneficiaries include children under 18
- The deceased owned a business
Getting the right support
The government provides guidance on applying for probate, which outlines the steps involved in the process. However, it does not account for individual circumstances, estate structures, or tax considerations.
At SMH Wills & Probate, we help ensure probate applications are handled accurately and efficiently, reducing the risk of delays and complications and giving families confidence that the estate is being administered correctly.
If you would like to discuss a probate application or need support navigating the process, please contact our team on 0114 266 4432 or email probate@smh.group.
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