Notes
What is a grant of probate and how do you apply for one?
A grant of probate is a court document proving you have legal authority to deal with a deceased person's estate. You need it to access bank accounts, sell property, and distribute assets to beneficiaries. ** The process takes weeks to months depending on complexity and how quickly you gather documents. Most delays happen at the valuation stage, not the form itself.
The short version:
- A grant of probate is the court's permission to handle a dead person's money and property
- You need one to access bank accounts, sell property, and distribute the estate legally
- You apply using form PA1P (if there's a will) or PA1A (if there isn't)
- The application requires a complete estate valuation before you submit
- You can apply online, by post, or through a solicitor
What a grant of probate actually does
A grant of probate is a certificate issued by the court confirming that you, as executor or administrator, have legal authority over the deceased's estate. Banks, building societies, and land registries will only release money and property on sight of this document. A will alone is not enough. Without the grant, you cannot touch the estate.
When you do and don't need one
You need a grant if the estate includes property, investments, or bank accounts held in the deceased's sole name. Jointly owned property passes automatically to the surviving owner and bypasses probate. Life insurance policies and pension funds with named beneficiaries also bypass probate. Some institutions release small sums without a grant. Check with each financial institution, as thresholds vary.
What to gather before you apply
You must value every asset the deceased owned before you touch the application form. Collect the death certificate, the will, and the names and addresses of all beneficiaries. Get written valuations for property, shares, vehicles, jewellery, and household contents. Bank and savings balances must be confirmed at the exact date of death. This stage takes the longest and trips up most applicants.
| Document or information | Where to get it or how to value it |
|---|---|
| Death certificate | Register office or order online |
| The will (if one exists) | Check home, solicitor's safe, or probate service records |
| Valuation of property | Estate agent or surveyor (get a written estimate) |
| Bank and savings account statements | Contact each bank directly |
| Details of shares or investments | Statements or contact the provider |
| Household and personal items | Get a valuation or list with estimated values |
| Beneficiaries' names and addresses | From the will or intestacy rules |
| Life insurance or pension letters | Check if they name a beneficiary (may not need probate) |
How to apply: step by step
Use form PA1P if there is a will, or PA1A if there is not. Both ask the same core questions. Enter the deceased's full name, date of birth, date of death, and last address. List everyone named in the will, or confirm there is none. Then complete the estate valuation: itemise every asset, its value at the date of death, and any debts. Be precise.
Submit the form with the death certificate, the will if any, and your signed oath confirming the information is correct. You can apply online, by post, or through a solicitor.
Why the valuation step is harder than it looks
The probate service and tax authorities check your figures. Overvalue and you may pay unnecessary inheritance tax. Undervalue significantly and the service will query it, delaying the grant. For property, get a written valuation dated as close as possible to the date of death. For shares, use the closing price on the date of death. For bank accounts, list the exact balance. Note any uncertainty on the form.
Guessing or rushing this stage is the single biggest cause of delays and rejected applications.
Why the valuation step is harder than the form itself
Official probate pages explain which form to use and what documents to send, but they skip the practical trap: gathering and verifying asset values to the exact death date. Estate agents give rough estimates, not death-date valuations. Building societies can be slow to confirm balances. Surveyors cost money.
Without a structured worksheet to gather figures before you open the form, applicants either guess and risk a query, or stall halfway through. The form itself is straightforward once you have the numbers.
When to get professional help
You can apply yourself if the estate is straightforward: a home, a few bank accounts, and a clear will. Consider a solicitor if the estate is large, there is no will, assets are abroad, or beneficiaries are in dispute. If you get stuck partway through, many solicitors will help with one section rather than the whole application.
Common questions
How long does a grant of probate take?
Usually 4 to 12 weeks from submission, depending on how complete your application is and how busy the probate service is. Incomplete applications take longer.
Do I need a solicitor to apply for probate?
No. You can apply yourself online or by post if the estate is straightforward. Many people do and save hundreds of pounds.
What happens if I don't apply for probate?
Banks, building societies, and the land registry will not release money or property without it. The deceased's assets will sit frozen.
Can I start dealing with the estate before I get the grant?
No. You have no legal authority until the grant is issued. You can gather documents and arrange valuations, but you cannot access accounts or sell property.
What if I value an asset wrongly?
If the error is small and honest, the probate service usually accepts it. A significant error may prompt a query and delay the grant.
The complete system
the Claro guide
For the full step-by-step process, the Claro guide is the complete system to act on this.