Probate Rules 2025: Big Changes to Probate in England and Wales
From 3 November 2025, major changes to probate in England and Wales came into effect. These reforms are designed to make the process faster, clearer, and more digital. But while the updates aim to simplify things, they also introduce new rules and risks if you get it wrong.
If you’re dealing with an estate or helping someone through probate, understanding these updates now can save you time, stress, and money later.
Why Are Probate Rules Changing?
The new probate rules 2025 aim to modernise a system that has long been criticised for delays and outdated paperwork. The focus is on:
- Making applications more digital and efficient
- Reducing confusion in intestacy disputes
- Aligning probate with modern online processes
In short, the government wants probate to be faster, more consistent, and easier to manage online.
1. New Process for Intestacy Disputes
When multiple people have equal rights to apply for probate, such as siblings after a parent’s death, the process can become messy.
Under updated probate rules, judges and registrars must now follow a clearer test to decide who should be the personal representative. They will consider:
- Who has the most support from others entitled to apply
- Who applied first
- Whether a neutral applicant has been agreed
- Or, if no one agrees, whether a neutral person should be appointed by the court
Why this matters: These rules help reduce family conflict and delay. But if there’s any dispute, it’s crucial to get legal advice early. Otherwise, you could lose your right to apply for probate entirely.
2. Caveats and Online Grant Revocations
Caveats are formal notices used to pause a probate application, usually when someone challenges it.
The new probate rules make these procedures clearer and bring them online:
- Forms and processes are simplified
- Online grants can be revoked if a caveat was missed due to an error
- Caveators must provide a statement of directions explaining their challenge
- The response period increases to 14 days once warned off
Why this matters: Missing a caveat can cause major setbacks. If your grant of probate application gets rejected due to an existing caveat, act quickly.
3. A Shift to Digital Probate Applications
The new system pushes probate further online. For example, trust corporations will now be required to submit probate applications digitally.
This digital-first approach aims to speed things up, but it also means small mistakes, such as incomplete information or incorrect forms, can cause applications to be rejected or delayed.
Why this matters: Applying online can seem straightforward, but one wrong upload or ticked box can set you back weeks. Professional help ensures your application is right the first time.
4. Sharp Increase in Fees for Copies of Wills and Grants
From November 2025, the cost for copies of wills and grants through the Find a Will service will rise from £1.50 to £16 per copy.
HMCTS says this reflects the true administrative cost. It might not sound like much, but for larger estates that need multiple copies, costs can add up fast, especially when delays require resubmissions.
How the Probate Rule Changes Affect You
Here’s what to expect from probate in 2025:
- Clearer rules for disputes when multiple people apply
- Mandatory online submissions for trust corporations
- Tighter deadlines and procedures for caveats
- Higher administrative fees
- Greater need for accuracy in online filings
These reforms are a welcome step forward, but they make professional legal guidance more valuable than ever.
Why Use a Probate Solicitor in 2025
Even with digital updates, probate remains one of the most technical areas of law. Misunderstanding the new rules can lead to rejected applications, disputes, or even legal liability.
At Garner & Hancock Solicitors, we handle probate applications and estate administration across England & Wales and in other jurisdictions. Our team ensures every form, statement, and supporting document meets the latest legal standards, so your probate is approved quickly and correctly.
Whether you’re dealing with a straightforward estate or a complex dispute, we can take care of it all, saving you time, stress, and unnecessary costs.
Written by: Amarpreet Aujla, Solicitor, Life Planning Department
