The proposed probate fees were due to start at £300 for an estate valued between £50,001 and £300,000, rising to £20,000 on estates valued at over £2 million.  Estates valued at less that £50,000 would have been exempt from any fees.

The current flat fee of £155 will remain for the time being, with no fee payable if the estate is valued at less than £5,000.

The planned fees, which would have raised £300 million a year towards the cost of running the courts and tribunal service, have been scrapped as there is not enough time for legislation to go through parliament before the general election on 8th June.  The government has not indicated whether the plans will be resurrected if it is re-elected.

You can find out more about probate and the administration of estates on our web pages.

Or contact our experts now to make an appointment to make a will or discuss your individual needs.