Sarah Nash, Head of Astle Paterson’s Private Client team, discusses the news that proposed increases to Probate fees have been scrapped – at least for the time being.
Sarah said “The proposal that probate fees should be determined on a scale dependant on the size of a person’s estate had caused some concern for some people. Under the proposed increases, executors to some estates would have had to pay probate fees of up to £20,000.00 – a substantial increase from the existing flat fee of £155.00.
Of greatest concern to many with the proposal was the fact that these fees must be paid in advance in order to obtain a Grant of Probate – without the Grant the executors would not be able to access the assets in the deceased’s estate.
Therefore it appeared that, whilst the executors would ultimately be reimbursed the fees out of the deceased’s estate, the executors would have had to pay the fees themselves in the first instance.”
Sarah concluded “Whilst it is unclear whether the planned increases will ultimately go ahead in the future, for the time being the fees will remain as they are, which will no doubt come as a some relief to people who have recently lost a loved one and are currently in the process of applying for a Grant of Probate.”
Should you have any questions, or should you be in the process of administrating an Estate, Sarah will be able to assist you. Please contact Sarah Nash on either 01283 531366 or by way of email at snash@astlepaterson.co.uk and she will be able to answer any queries you may have.
