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 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.
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.
Not always. Some estates are small or simple enough to manage without it. But you’ll likely need probate if:
Joint accounts or assets that pass directly to a surviving partner may not need probate at all.
These early steps help lay the groundwork. You don’t need to rush. Take each one at your own pace.
These steps can feel technical—Farra is here to help with checklists and reminders.
You can apply online at GOV.UK or by post. There are different forms depending on whether there’s a will.
You’ll need to send:
Probate isn't always needed—many joint or low-value estates can be settled without it.
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:
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.
Gather documents, value assets, complete IHT forms, apply for probate
HMRC and Probate Registry process application. Grant of probate issued.
Collect assets, pay debts, file final tax returns, distribute to beneficiaries
Simple estates may complete faster. Complex estates with disputes or overseas assets can take 2+ years.
Farra’s full probate assistant—with form help, application walkthroughs, and reminders at every stage.
Want to make sure you're doing this right?
Executors are personally liable for errors. In 2 minutes, we'll give you a checklist specific to this estate and flag your risks.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
1 in 3 probate applications are sent back. As executor, the errors are your responsibility.
Answer 5 questions in under 2 minutes. We'll give you a checklist specific to this estate, flag anything that increases your personal risk, and tell you exactly what to do — and in what order.
Free to check · 2 minutes · No account needed · £179 for your full probate pack