From 13 July 2026, the court fee for applying for probate increased from £300 to £526 – a rise of around 75%. At the same time, the cost of obtaining additional sealed copies of the Grant reduced from £16 to £2.

Whilst this is a significant increase, the probate application is only one part of the estate administration process. But what is probate, and what is the role of an Executor in administering an estate?

What is probate?

Probate is the legal process of obtaining authority to deal with someone’s estate (their property, money, and possessions) after they die.

If the deceased left a valid Will, Executors will usually apply for a Grant of Probate. If the deceased did not leave a Will, the person dealing with the estate will apply for Letters of Administration to be appointed as an Administrator. There are also other types of Grant for certain circumstances, for example where there is a valid Will but the named Executors are unable or unwilling to act.

Whether probate is needed depends on the nature and value of the estate. For example, where the deceased solely owned property or had other high-value assets such as savings and investments in their sole name, probate is often required to deal with the assets. Each financial institution (such as banks and investment companies) has its own requirements for when probate is needed to release funds, which often depends on the value of the asset.

The role of an Executor

An Executor is a person appointed in a Will to deal with the deceased’s estate. More than one Executor can be appointed.

Where the deceased did not leave a Will, the closest living relative can apply to be an Administrator and the estate will be distributed according to the Intestacy Rules which determine who inherits. Executors and Administrators are collectively known as Personal Representatives (“PRs”).

PRs are responsible for:

  • Identifying and valuing the deceased’s estate at the date of death.
  • Paying any Inheritance Tax that is due.
  • Applying for probate.
  • Collecting in the assets and settling any liabilities.
  • Distributing the estate to the beneficiaries in accordance with the Will or the Intestacy Rules.

PRs are under a legal obligation to administer an estate correctly.  How long an estate takes to administer depends on its size and complexity but the process is often time-consuming and paperwork-heavy which can be particularly difficult at a time when you are dealing with the loss of a loved one.

If you have any questions about probate, estate administration, or the role of an Executor, we would be pleased to assist.