Probate Checklist
What is the probate checklist?
Probate involves: (1) Check if needed (not required for estates under £5K-£50K or joint assets), (2) gather documents (will, death certificate, asset values, IHT forms), (3) apply using form PA1P and pay £273, (4) wait 8-12 weeks for grant, (5) settle debts and distribute assets to beneficiaries.
- Phase 1 - Before applying: Check if probate needed, find original will, value all assets/debts, complete IHT forms (IHT205 or IHT400)
- Phase 2 - Application: Fill form PA1P, pay £300 fee, submit to probate registry, wait 8-12 weeks for grant
- Phase 3 - After grant: Contact banks/institutions, pay debts and taxes, distribute to beneficiaries, close estate
- Documents needed: Original will, death certificate, asset list, bank statements, property deeds, IHT forms
- Timeline: 3-6 months total (8-12 weeks for grant + 2-4 months to distribute estate)
Have more questions on UK death administration? Let Farra help.
Contents
What is probate?
Probate is the legal permission to handle someone’s money, property, and possessions after they’ve died. If there’s a will, the person named as executor applies for this. If there isn’t, a close relative can step in instead. For a detailed overview of the entire UK probate system, see our complete guide to probate in the UK.
It can feel like a big word—but really, it’s about helping the right person do the right thing, with the right documents.
Do you always need probate?
Not always. Some estates are small or simple enough to manage without it. But you’ll likely need probate if:
- The person owned property in their sole name
- Banks require probate to release funds
- The estate is worth more than ~£5,000–£10,000
Joint accounts or assets that pass directly to a surviving partner may not need probate at all.
Before you apply
These early steps help lay the groundwork. You don’t need to rush. Take each one at your own pace.
- 1. Find the original will (if there is one)
- 2. Register the death and get copies of the certificate
- 3. Make a list of the person's assets and debts
- 4. Work out if inheritance tax (IHT) needs to be paid
- 5. Submit the IHT forms to HMRC (or pay IHT if required)
These steps can feel technical—Farra is here to help with checklists and reminders.
How to apply
You can apply online at GOV.UK or by post. There are different forms depending on whether there’s a will.
- Use form PA1P if there’s a will
- Use form PA1A if there’s no will
You’ll need to send:
- The death certificate
- The original will (and any codicils)
- The correct application form
- HMRC forms for inheritance tax
- Payment (£273 fee, waived if estate is below £5,000)
Probate isn't always needed—many joint or low-value estates can be settled without it.
After probate is granted
Once you’ve received the grant of probate (or letters of administration), you can move forward with estate administration. For comprehensive step-by-step guidance on the full probate journey, see our complete UK probate guide. Here's what you can do:
- 1. Send copies to banks, insurers, and organisations
- 2. Close accounts and settle any outstanding debts
- 3. Sell or transfer property
- 4. Distribute what remains to beneficiaries
Keep simple records of everything—this helps if questions come up later, and shows that everything was handled carefully.
Probate takes time. There’s no rush to finish it all at once. Take breaks when you need to. Farra can help you keep track.
Probate Timeline
Months 1-2: Preparation
Gather documents, value assets, complete IHT forms, apply for probate
Months 2-4: Probate Processing
HMRC and Probate Registry process application. Grant of probate issued.
Months 4-12: Estate Administration
Collect assets, pay debts, file final tax returns, distribute to beneficiaries
Total Time: 6-12 Months
Simple estates may complete faster. Complex estates with disputes or overseas assets can take 2+ years.
Coming soon: Farra's probate assistant
Farra’s full probate assistant—with form help, application walkthroughs, and reminders at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I always need probate after someone dies?
No, probate isn't always needed. You may not need it for estates under £5,000-£10,000, joint assets that pass to the surviving owner, or assets with named beneficiaries like life insurance. However, you'll likely need probate if the deceased owned property in their sole name or banks require it to release funds.
How much does it cost to apply for probate?
Applying for probate costs £273 (waived if the estate is below £5,000). You'll also need the death certificate (£12.50 per copy) and may need extra probate grant copies (£1.50 each). If using a solicitor, they typically charge £1,500-£5,000+ depending on estate complexity. Many people apply themselves to save money.
How long does probate take in the UK?
Probate typically takes 6-12 months from start to finish. Simple estates may complete in 3-6 months. The Probate Registry takes 8-16 weeks to issue the grant after application. Complex estates with disputes, overseas assets, or inheritance tax can take 12-24+ months. Preparation (valuing assets, completing IHT forms) takes 1-3 months before applying.
What is the difference between probate and letters of administration?
Probate (Grant of Probate) is issued when there's a valid will, giving executors authority to administer the estate. Letters of Administration are issued when there's no will, giving the administrator (usually next of kin) authority. Both serve the same purpose and cost the same (£273), but different forms are used: PA1P for probate, PA1A for letters of administration.
Can I start distributing the estate before probate is granted?
No, you cannot distribute estate assets before receiving the grant of probate (except for small funeral expense payments banks may release). Distributing assets without probate is illegal and you could be personally liable. You must wait for the grant, then use it to close accounts, sell property, and distribute to beneficiaries as specified in the will or intestacy rules.
Do I need a solicitor to apply for probate?
No, you can apply for probate yourself without a solicitor if the estate is straightforward. Use form PA1P (with will) or PA1A (no will), complete inheritance tax forms, and submit online or by post. Consider a solicitor if the estate is complex, has overseas assets, involves disputes, or you're unsure about inheritance tax. Solicitors charge £1,500-£5,000+ but handle everything for you.
Related Guides
Complete Guide to Applying for Probate
Step-by-step probate application process, forms needed, costs, and typical timeframes for grant of probate.
Do I Need Probate? UK Thresholds £5K-£50K (Free Checker 2026)
Probate needed if estate has property or over £50K. Joint accounts exempt. Check bank thresholds: HSBC £50K, smaller banks £15K.
What Documents Do I Need for Probate? Complete UK Checklist
Complete checklist of documents needed for probate in the UK. From death certificates to asset valuations - everything executors need to gather for probate applications.
Estate Administration Checklist: Complete UK Guide for Executors
Comprehensive estate administration checklist for UK executors. Step-by-step guide covering probate, asset collection, debt payment, and distribution with timelines.
What If There's No Will (Intestacy Rules)
Who inherits when there's no will, intestacy rules explained, and how to apply for letters of administration.