Controversial England and Wales probate fee increase proposal is finally dropped
The Private Capital Department at Rollits LLP welcomes the announcement from the Secretary of State for Justice Robert Buckland that the proposed increase in probate fees have been scrapped. The increase would have charged probate applicants in England and Wales up to £6,000 depending on the value of the estate, instead of the current flat fee of £155 on applications submitted by solicitors.
The Secretary of State for Justice announced that he had decided the policy was not 'fair and proportionate' and that the related statutory instrument, which has for months been awaiting parliamentary approval, will accordingly be withdrawn. Instead, the next annual review of court fees will consider making 'small adjustments' to cover the costs of probate applications.
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