What documents do I need to apply for probate?

Gather all required documents before starting your application. Missing documents are the most common cause of delays.

Order 10 to 20 extra certified copies of the death certificate (£11 each). Banks, insurers, and pension providers each need to see an original or certified copy, and sending them sequentially rather than simultaneously adds months to the process.

How do I apply for probate online?

1. Check you are eligible to apply: You must be named as an executor in the will, or be the next of kin if there is no will. You must be over 18. If there are multiple executors, you can apply together or one can apply with the others' consent.
2. Value the estate: Contact every bank, building society, pension provider, and insurer to get date-of-death values. Get a property valuation from an estate agent or surveyor. List all debts including mortgage, credit cards, and funeral costs.
3. Complete the inheritance tax form: For estates below the nil-rate band (£325,000, or £500,000 with residence nil-rate band), use the simplified online excepted estates form. For larger estates, complete the IHT400 and submit it to HMRC. Pay any inheritance tax due within 6 months of death.
4. Start the online application at GOV.UK: Go to the Apply for Probate service. You need the deceased's details, the death certificate reference number, and your inheritance tax reference. The form takes around 30 minutes to complete.
5. Make the legal statement: The online application generates a legal statement (formerly an oath) confirming the information is true. You sign this digitally as part of the online process.
6. Pay the court fee: Pay £300 by debit or credit card online. Order extra sealed copies of the grant at £1.50 each (recommended: 10 to 20 copies).
7. Post the original will: After completing the online form, post the original will and death certificate to the Probate Registry using the address provided. Use recorded delivery.

Can I apply for probate without a solicitor?

Yes. DIY probate is straightforward for simple estates and costs only the £300 court fee. The GOV.UK online service guides you through each step.

DIY probate works well when:

• The estate is below the inheritance tax threshold
• There is a clear, valid will with no disputes
• Assets are straightforward (bank accounts, one property)
• There are no overseas assets
• All beneficiaries agree on the distribution

Use a solicitor when:

• The estate is above the inheritance tax threshold
• There is no will (intestacy) with complex family arrangements
• There is property in more than one country
• Beneficiaries are disputing the will
• The estate has business assets or complex trusts
• There are potential claims against the estate (e.g. under the Inheritance Act)

Even if you handle most of the process yourself, you can instruct a solicitor for specific tasks like completing the IHT400 form or dealing with a property sale, which is often cheaper than handing over the entire estate administration.

What happens after I receive the grant of probate?

1. Send copies to asset holders: Post certified copies of the grant to banks, building societies, insurers, and pension providers. Each institution releases funds once they have verified the grant. Sending copies simultaneously speeds up the process.
2. Place statutory notices: Advertise in The London Gazette and a local newspaper giving creditors at least 2 months to make claims against the estate. This protects you from personal liability for unknown debts. Cost: approximately £100 to £200.
3. Sell or transfer property: If the estate includes property, instruct conveyancers to handle the sale or transfer to beneficiaries. The grant gives you legal authority to sell, but the Land Registry requires a certified copy before processing any transfer.
4. Pay debts and taxes: Settle all outstanding debts, including the mortgage, credit cards, utility bills, and funeral costs. Pay any remaining inheritance tax and file the final estate accounts with HMRC.
5. Prepare estate accounts: Create a detailed record of all assets collected, debts paid, and the final distribution to each beneficiary. Each beneficiary should receive a copy of the accounts before distribution.
6. Distribute to beneficiaries: Transfer the remaining assets according to the will. Get a receipt from each beneficiary confirming what they received. Keep all records for at least 12 years.