Yorkshire Dales families urged to act now as probate fees set to rise by more than 75% next month

Scotts Hall & Birtles Solicitors (SHB) is urging families across the Yorkshire Dales and beyond who are currently dealing with a loved one's estate to seek advice without delay.

The warning comes from SHB private client expert Kathryn Vasey ahead of a "sharp increase" to the government fee for obtaining a grant of probate, coming into effect on July 13th.

From that date, the flat fee payable to HM Courts and Tribunals Service for a probate application rises from £300 to £526, an increase of more than 75%.

The change is subject to parliamentary approval.

Legal professionals across England and Wales are anticipating a surge in probate applications ahead of the deadline, mirroring a similar rush in 2019 when a proposed fee increase prompted a wave of applications that placed considerable strain on the probate service and led to delays of several months for families waiting for their grant to be issued.

Kathryn Vasey, director and head of private client at SHB said the increase will come as an unwelcome shock for many families in the Dales and beyond who are already navigating the practical and emotional demands of bereavement.

"In a rural community like ours, estates can often be more complex than people expect," she said.

"There may be farmland, agricultural tenancies, livestock, or property that has been in a family for generations.

"The process of obtaining a grant of probate is a necessary step before any of that can be properly dealt with, and from July 13th it will cost significantly more to take that step.

"What I would say to any family in the Dales who is currently in the process of administering an estate is to get in touch with us now. We will look at where things stand and give you an honest answer about whether we can submit your application before the deadline.

"A saving of more than £200 is worth a phone call, and with fewer than three weeks to go that call needs to happen sooner rather than later."

For more information or to arrange an appointment, contact Scotts Hall & Birtles Solicitors on 01969 622227 or visit www.scottshallandbirtles.com.