Forsters comments on the cancellation of the proposed probate charges

Forsters welcomes the news that the proposed increase in probate fees has been scrapped. 

The charges, which would have seen some estates having to pay an increase of up to £6,000 from the current £155 rate to obtain a grant of probate, were due to come into force in April 2019. Brexit delays and fierce opposition culminated in the Ministry of Justice confirming that the tiered scale of charges will not now go ahead. 

Private Client senior associate, Harriet Atkinson commented: “The proposals would have placed an undue burden on grieving families.  The decision to abandon the unfair charges will end months of uncertainty and anxiety for them.”