Families dealing with probate already have enough on their plates — and at Ives & Co Solicitors, where we support clients through wills, probate, and estate administration every day, we know how even small administrative changes can cause big confusion.
This year brings a major shift worth paying attention to: a steep increase in the cost of obtaining official copies of probate documents.
Let’s break down exactly what’s changing, when, and what it means for anyone managing an estate.
The 2025 Probate Fee Increase — What’s Actually Going Up?
The headline change for 2025 is not the probate application fee.
Instead, it’s a dramatic rise in the cost of official copies of probate grants and wills.
Key Fee Increase (Effective 17 November 2025)
- Official copies of probate grants and wills:
£1.50 ➜ £16 per copy
(a 967% increase) - Applies to all copy requests, both at the point of application and for future/extra copies.
- Applies to England and Wales only.
This is one of the largest single increases in probate-related costs seen in recent years.
What Exactly Does the Fee Increase Cover?
The new £16 charge will apply to:
✔️ Copies ordered with your initial probate application
✔️ Copies requested after the grant has been issued
✔️ Copies ordered by executors, beneficiaries, solicitors, and researchers
✔️ Both probate grants and copies of wills
If you normally order multiple copies (e.g., for banks, share registrars, pension providers), the cost could add up quickly.
What Isn’t Changing?
Not everything is increasing — and this is where confusion often arises.
✔️ Probate Application Fee
- Remains at £300 for estates valued over £5,000
- No change associated with the November 2025 update
✔️ Other Court Fees (Separate Increase)
- General court fees already rose on 8 April 2025
- Average increase: 3.2%
- Some fees jumped up to 13.5% due to inflation adjustments
These rises are separate from the probate copy fee increase.
Why Timing Matters
If you’re planning to order any official copies, be mindful of the date.
✔️ Applications submitted on or after 17 November 2025 will be charged the new £16 rate
✔️ Earlier applications using the paper process will still benefit from the £1.50 rate
For many executors and solicitors, this means preparing as early as possible to avoid unnecessary costs.
Important Note for Family Historians & Researchers
The increase doesn’t just affect estates currently going through probate. If you access historical wills for:
- Genealogy
- Family history research
- Archival projects
You’re strongly advised to download any needed records before 17 November 2025 while they remain at £1.50 each. After that date, the cost jumps to £16 per document, which could significantly increase research expenses.
What This Means for Executors and Families
Here’s the practical impact in real terms:
1️⃣ Ordering multiple copies will become far more expensive
Most estates require at least a few official copies — sometimes 5–10.
At £16 each, this can quickly reach over £100.
2️⃣ Budgeting for probate becomes more important
Even though the application fee hasn’t changed, associated costs will rise.
3️⃣ Early preparation can save money
Getting documents ready and submitted before the deadline may reduce expenses.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 probate fee increase is focused squarely on the cost of official copies — a change that will affect executors, families, solicitors, and even genealogy researchers. Understanding the timeline and planning ahead will ensure you avoid unnecessary fees and stay organised during what is often an emotional and complex process.
