Farra is a death administration assistant for UK families. Get step-by-step guidance for registering a death, applying for probate, notifying banks, and managing bereavement admin. From essential documents to practical checklists, Farra simplifies estate paperwork and funeral-related tasks so you can focus on what matters.
This guide has not been checked against its sources
We re-checked our most-read guides against GOV.UK and the other official sources in September 2026. This one was not among them, so nobody has confirmed its figures, deadlines or process steps since it was written. Treat it as a starting point and confirm anything that matters on GOV.UK before you act on it.
Complete form PA1P online or by post, value the estate, report the inheritance tax figures within the application (or complete a full IHT400 if the estate is not excepted), and pay the £300 fee (for estates over £5,000 — increased July 2026). Digital applications are usually granted within 12 weeks of submission to HMCTS; the full estate administration process typically takes 6–12 months. DIY costs £526 vs 1–4% of the estate value for a solicitor. For comprehensive coverage of the full UK probate process, see our complete guide to probate in the UK.
Before you apply — let us check everything first.
Farra walks you through the entire process and flags common reasons applications get sent back.
Weighing up the cost first? Our probate cost calculator shows what each route costs for your estate, and do you need a solicitor for probate? is an honest look at when you can safely do this yourself. This is general guidance, not legal advice.
Fill out form PA1P online or on paper. The form asks about the deceased, the executor, and the estate value. Take your time and double-check all details.
Pay the £526 application fee (for estates over £5,000; increased from £300 in July 2026) plus £2 for each additional copy ordered with the application (£16 if ordered later). Submit everything to the probate registry by post or online.
You confirm a statement of truth declaring that the information is correct as part of the application. Since 2017 there is no longer any requirement to swear an oath in person before a solicitor — you simply sign or confirm the declaration.
Digital probate applications are usually granted within 12 weeks of submission to HMCTS. The full estate administration process — valuing the estate, dealing with HMRC, applying, and distributing — typically takes 6–12 months. For a detailed walkthrough of the entire probate timeline, read our full UK probate process guide. Be patient and don't hesitate to contact the probate registry if you have concerns.
Once you receive the Grant of Probate, you have the legal authority to deal with the estate and can begin distributing assets to beneficiaries.
Yes — most people can apply online at gov.uk/applying-for-probate. You pay £526 (estates over £5,000) and don't need a solicitor. Solicitors typically charge 1–4% of the estate value, so for a £300,000 estate that's £3,000–£12,000. DIY is suitable if the estate is straightforward with a clear will.
The original will, the original death certificate (or a certified copy), the completed PA1P form (with a will) or PA1A form (without a will), and the probate fee of £526. If inheritance tax is due, you'll also need IHT400 form submission confirmation.
Digital applications are usually granted within 12 weeks of submission to HMCTS. Postal applications take longer. The full estate administration process (valuing estate, paying IHT, applying, distributing) typically takes 6–12 months.
Having a will doesn't remove the need for probate — it just means you use form PA1P instead of PA1A. You still need a Grant of Probate to access most assets above institutional thresholds (typically £5,000–£50,000 depending on the bank).
The court fee is £526 for estates over £5,000. Additional costs include death certificate copies (£12.50 each — order 8–12), and any professional valuation fees for property or unusual assets. Total DIY cost is typically £400–£600 plus professional valuations.
Applying is one step in a longer journey. These guides cover the stages around it:
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