On 13 July 2026 a raft of court and tribunal fees will be increased, subject to parliamentary approval. If the step you (or your client) will be taking triggers of them then you will make a saving by taking it before the increases come into force. 170 fees will be raised by 2.6% to take account of inflation and 27 by an average of 34%.
But the eye watering hike relates to an application after a death for the grant of probate or letters of administration where the fee is up by 75% from £300 to £526 if the deceased's estate has a value of over £5,000.
Other fees on the increase are to start a case for a divorce, nullity or civil partnership dissolution which will cost £628, to make a county court claim for possession which will cost £415 and to issue a civil application on notice where the new fee will be £321. The fees for commencing money claims in the County Court or High Court are untouched.
The "Help With Fees' scheme which could earn the waiver or reduction of any of these fees on the ground of low income and capital will continue to be available.
To check whether your fee will be caught by the changes, go to https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2026/642/contents/made
