With very little publicity the probate registry increased its standard fees from £45 per application to £155 on 22 April 2014.  A personal application (not using a solicitor) will now cost £215.

This is a fourfold increase, and unsurprisingly was very unpopular when put out to consultation in December. A cynic might say that the consultation was merely carried out to tick a box.

Years ago the probate fee was on a scale depending on the value of the estate, so at least we can be grateful that system has not been re-introduced.