Form

Appoint an attorney to get probate if you're an administrator

Apply as an administrator to give someone the legal rights (‘power of attorney’) to apply for probate on your behalf (previously PA12)

• From: HM Courts & Tribunals Service
• Published: 28 February 2020
• Last updated: 1 February 2021 — See all updates

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Appoint an attorney to get probate if you're an administrator

PDF, 77.7 KB, 6 pages

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Details

Use this form if you’re an administrator and you want to appoint someone as your attorney to apply for probate so they can manage the estate of someone who has died on your behalf.

You’ll get legal documents called ‘power of attorney’ that states this person has the legal authority to manage the estate.

You can appoint anyone to be your attorney, and any administrator entitled to the estate can have their own attorney.

When you cannot appoint an attorney

You cannot apply to be a power of attorney if the administrator:

• is applying for probate themselves
• does not have ‘mental capacity’; or
• is under the age of 18 years

Your independent witness

You must sign the form in the presence of an independent witness who:

• is not related to the person you’re appointing as your attorney
• has no interest in your estate

How to apply

1. download the form
2. fill in all the boxes
3. print the form
4. sign the form in front of an independent witness
5. send the completed form to:

HMCTS Probate
PO Box 12625
Harlow
CM20 9QE

Contact us

If you need help with this form contact the probate helpline on 0300 303 0648. The line is open Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm and Saturday 8am to 2pm.

Published 28 February 2020
Last updated 1 February 2021 + show all updates

1. 1 February 2021

   Updated phoneline opening times.

2. 28 February 2020

   First published.