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.
Probate guide
Probate is the legal authority to deal with someone’s estate after they die. This hub covers every stage — from deciding whether you need probate through to distributing assets to beneficiaries — with links to detailed guides at each step.
£273
Application fee
~5 weeks
National average wait
£325,000
IHT nil rate band
~2 weeks
Digital, no queries
Most estates follow these five stages. Click any stage for a detailed guide.
Decide whether probate is needed
Check whether the estate requires a grant before you apply — many smaller estates or jointly-held assets don't.
Value the estate and complete HMRC forms
List all assets and debts, calculate whether inheritance tax is due, and submit IHT forms to receive your HMRC reference number.
Apply for the grant of probate
Submit form PA1P (with will) or PA1A (no will) via MyHMCTS with the original will, death certificate, and £273 fee.
Collect assets and settle debts
Use the grant to close bank accounts, access investments, and pay all outstanding debts before distributing to beneficiaries.
Distribute the estate to beneficiaries
Transfer or pay assets according to the will (or intestacy rules), get signed receipts, and prepare final estate accounts.
Current probate waiting times — HMCTS Q4 2025
~5 weeks
National average (all types)
~2 weeks
Digital — no queries
~15 weeks
Digital — queried
Free step-by-step guides covering every stage of the probate process.
Probate is the legal process of administering someone's estate after they die. If there's a will, the executor applies for a Grant of Probate. If there's no will, a close relative applies for Letters of Administration. Both documents give you the legal authority to access bank accounts, sell property, and distribute assets to beneficiaries.
Not always. You'll likely need probate if the deceased owned property in their sole name, had bank or investment accounts above the institution's threshold (typically £5,000–£50,000), or held stocks and shares. You probably don't need probate for jointly-owned assets (which pass automatically to the surviving owner), small bank balances, or assets with named beneficiaries like life insurance policies.
Digital applications with no HMCTS queries are now typically granted in approximately 2 weeks. The national average across all application types is around 5 weeks (HMCTS Q4 2025). Applications that attract a query average around 15 weeks. Allow 1–3 months before applying to gather documents and receive your HMRC reference number, and a further 3–9 months to administer the estate after the grant.
The HMCTS application fee is £273 for estates over £5,000 (free for estates under £5,000). You'll also need certified copies of the grant (£1.50 each) and death certificate copies (£12.50 each). DIY probate typically costs £300–£600 in total. Using a solicitor costs £2,000–£7,000+ depending on estate complexity.
The nil rate band is £325,000 per person, frozen until April 2031. If the deceased was married or in a civil partnership and left their home to a direct descendant, the combined threshold can be up to £500,000 (or £1,000,000 for a couple using both allowances). IHT is charged at 40% on the value above these thresholds.
Yes — DIY probate is legal and common. If the estate is straightforward (clear will, no disputes, standard assets, estate value under £325,000 or no IHT due), you can apply yourself via MyHMCTS at GOV.UK. Consider a solicitor if the estate involves IHT complications, disputes between beneficiaries, business assets, or property abroad.
Need to apply for probate?
Answer 15 questions and Farra will calculate your IHT position, tell you exactly which forms to file, and check your application against 23 common rejection reasons before you submit.
Start your assessmentFree to start · From £95