We use some essential cookies to make this website work.
We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.
We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.
You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.
You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.
Departments, agencies and public bodies
News stories, speeches, letters and notices
Detailed guidance, regulations and rules
Reports, analysis and official statistics
Consultations and strategy
Data, Freedom of Information releases and corporate reports
Find out if you need to apply for probate to deal with the estate of someone who’s died. Discover how to apply for probate or letters of administration and what to do if there’s no will.
Probate is the legal right to deal with someone’s property, money and…
You can apply for probate if you’re named as an executor in either the…
If the person did not leave a will, the most ‘entitled’ person can apply…
Before applying for probate you’ll need to complete the following steps.…
You may have to pay a fee to apply for probate. Whether you need to pay…
You can apply for probate yourself online or by post. This can be cheaper…
Your application will be reviewed by the Probate Service. Track the…
If you already have the right or have probate (as an executor or administrator) you can start dealing with the estate. You may need to apply for the right to deal with the estate of the person who's died (also called …
As a personal representative (an executor or administrator) you’re legally…
You must pay any debts and settle the taxes for the person who died. This…
You may have to pay taxes for the estate if there is any new income while…
You may need to send information to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) about…
Once you have paid any debts and taxes, or you are sure the estate has…
Use this form to apply for letters of administration to manage the estate of the person who has died if they have not left a will.
Executors can use this form to give up their legal responsibility and role permanently (also known as ‘renunciation’) to apply for probate.
Changing an inheritance after death (a 'variation') and how it can affect amounts of Inheritance and Capital Gains tax due
Use this form to report that an original will is lost and you’re applying for probate. You must only use this form if you're representing yourself.
If you’re a spouse or civil partner you can use this form to give up your rights as an administrator if there is no will.
Use this form to apply to extend your stop on a probate application (known as a caveat).
Complete this label and attach it to the envelope containing your last will and testament when you send it to HMCTS to be stored.
Use this form to apply to stop a probate grant being issued (also known as entering a caveat) by post.
Apply as an administrator to give someone the legal rights (‘power of attorney’) to apply for probate on your behalf (previously PA12)
Use this form to apply to withdraw a will or codicil from storage with HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS).
Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.
To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. Please fill in this survey (opens in a new tab).