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29 March 2019 | Comment | Article by Eleanor Evans TEP

Delay to probate fees increase


The Ministry of Justice has confirmed that the planned probate fees increase, which had been due to take effect in April, has been delayed due to the ongoing Brexit negotiations.

For the changes to take effect, an approval motion will need to be scheduled in the House of Commons. The Ministry of Justice has not yet been able to schedule the motion. It will, however, be scheduled once there is sufficient parliamentary time available.

Once the vote has taken place, the legislation introducing the changes will come into effect 21 days from the date of the vote.

Probate lawyers and executors have been working hard to get their probate applications submitted before the change takes place, so as to take advantage of the much lower fees under the existing regime. This is, therefore, a welcome (albeit probably temporary) reprieve.

For further information on the changes to probate fees and how these may affect you, please contact us.

Author bio

Eleanor Evans TEP

Partner

Eleanor is Head of the Trusts and Estates Administration Department, a large team dealing with estates and trusts administration on behalf of financial institution and trust corporation clients.  Eleanor is a specialist in wills, probate, tax and trusts, and is a full member of STEP (the Society of Trusts and Estates Practitioners).  She is also a committee member of the STEP Wales branch.

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