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.
