A Significant Price Increase
If you’re dealing with an inheritance dispute or considering challenging a will, you need to be aware of an important change. From 17th November 2025, the cost of obtaining copies of wills and grants of probate from the government has increased from £1.50 to £16 per document – more than a ten-fold increase.
This change affects anyone who needs to obtain official copies of probate documents in England and Wales, whether you’re investigating a potential claim or gathering evidence for an existing dispute.
How This Affects Your Inheritance Dispute
If you believe you’ve been unfairly left out of a will or have concerns about how an estate is being handled, you’ll likely need several documents to understand your position:
- The current will
- The grant of probate
- Any previous wills (for comparison)
- Related estate documents
Under the old pricing, obtaining three documents would have cost just £4.50. Now, the same documents will cost you £48. For someone already facing financial hardship – perhaps the very reason you’re questioning the will – this additional cost can feel overwhelming.
Don’t Let Cost Be a Barrier to Justice
At C-PAID (Contested Probate and Inheritance Dispute Solutions), we understand that this fee increase creates an additional hurdle at an already difficult time. Many of our clients come to us because they’ve been unfairly excluded from an inheritance, subjected to undue influence, or are dealing with executors who aren’t fulfilling their duties properly.
We believe everyone should have access to justice, regardless of their current financial situation.
How to Obtain Documents Yourself
You can search for and order probate documents directly from the government website: https://probatesearch.service.gov.uk/
What you’ll need:
- The deceased person’s name
- Their year of death (must be after 1996)
- £16 per document you wish to order
- A debit or credit card for payment
How C-PAID Can Help
If you’re concerned about an inheritance matter but worried about the costs involved, we can help in several ways:
Free Initial Assessment: We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your situation and help you understand whether you have grounds for a claim.
Document Guidance: We can advise you on which specific documents you actually need, potentially saving you from ordering unnecessary paperwork at £16 each.
No Win, No Fee Options: For qualifying cases, we work with specialist solicitors who can offer Conditional Fee Agreements (CFAs) and Damages-Based Agreements (DBA), meaning you won’t pay legal fees unless your claim is successful.
Strategic Approach: Our experience in contested probate means we know which documents are essential for building a strong case, helping you avoid unnecessary expenses.
Common Situations We Can Help With
- Inheritance Act Claims: If you’ve been left out of a will or received less than you need
- Will Validity Challenges: Concerns about mental capacity, undue influence, or forgery
- Executor Disputes: Problems with how an estate is being administered
- Trust Disputes: Issues with trustees or beneficiaries
- Professional Negligence: Problems caused by solicitors or will writers
Don’t Navigate This Alone
The probate system can be complex and overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with grief and family conflict. The increased document fees add another layer of difficulty, but they shouldn’t prevent you from seeking the inheritance you’re entitled to.
If you’re unsure whether you have a claim, or if the cost of obtaining documents is a concern, please get in touch. We can often identify whether you have a viable case from just a brief discussion of your circumstances.
Take Action Today
Time limits apply to many inheritance disputes – typically six months from the grant of probate for Inheritance Act claims. Don’t let the increased document fees delay you from taking action.
Contact C-PAID today for a free, no-obligation discussion about your situation. We’re here to help you understand your rights and options, regardless of your current financial position.
Remember: the £16 fee per document is just for obtaining the paperwork. The real value comes from knowing what to do with that information. That’s where our expertise in contested probate can make all the difference – get in touch.
