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.
You need probate if the estate is worth over £5,000-£50,000 (threshold varies by institution) or includes property, shares, or complex assets. Joint assets, small bank accounts, and pensions with named beneficiaries typically don't require probate. Each bank, insurer, and asset holder sets their own threshold for releasing funds without probate.
| Asset Type | Threshold | Probate Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Property (sole ownership) | Any value | Always required |
| HSBC bank accounts | Up to £50,000 | Not required |
| Barclays bank accounts | Up to £50,000 | Not required |
| Lloyds bank accounts | Up to £50,000 | Not required |
| Smaller banks | Up to £15,000-£25,000 | Varies by bank |
| Shares & investments | Any value | Usually required |
| Life insurance (no nominee) | Over £5,000-£15,000 | Varies by insurer |
| Pensions (nominated beneficiary) | Any value | Not required |
| Joint bank accounts | Any value | Not required |
Thresholds updated January 2026. Always check with specific institution as policies vary.
Before you begin the probate process, you'll need to register the death and gather important documents. Understanding whether probate is required helps you plan the estate administration process efficiently. For comprehensive coverage of all stages, see our complete UK probate guide.
If probate is required, you'll need to value the entire estate accurately before applying.
Any property solely owned by deceased requires probate, regardless of value. You may need to sell the property as part of the estate administration.
Stocks, bonds, ISAs, and investment accounts usually require probate regardless of value.
Individual accounts over £15,000-£50,000 (varies by bank).
Disputed wills, multiple beneficiaries, or significant debts.
Even if individual accounts are below thresholds, the total estate value may push you over probate requirements.
These are typical thresholds as of 2026 - always check with specific institutions as policies vary.
£50,000 threshold
£50,000 threshold
£50,000 threshold
£50,000 threshold
£50,000 threshold
£50,000 threshold
£50,000 threshold
£30,000 threshold
Thresholds change and vary by institution. Always contact them directly to confirm their current probate requirements before assuming you don't need it. For official guidance, see GOV.UK's probate guidance.
Net Estate = Total Assets - Total Debts
If net estate is over probate thresholds, you'll likely need probate.
Assets:
Debts:
Net Estate: £143,000 → Probate Required
If you're unsure whether you need probate, see our detailed guide to whether you need probate. Most institutions will also give you a definitive answer when you contact them with estate details — it's better to check than assume.
The thresholds are similar, but the legal process differs. If the estate is in Scotland, you'll apply for "confirmation" rather than "probate".
The probate process involves several stages from application to distribution. For comprehensive guidance on each stage, see our complete guide to probate in the UK.
Complete PA1P form (with will) or PA1A form (without will) and submit to the Probate Registry. Read our step-by-step guide to applying for probate.
£273 court fee plus £1.50 for each official copy you need.
Usually takes 8-12 weeks for straightforward cases.
Use grant of probate to close accounts, sell property, and distribute estate.
If you answered "yes" to questions 1-4, you likely need probate.
If only question 5 is "yes", you may not need probate.
Understanding probate thresholds is just the beginning. Our comprehensive guide walks you through the entire probate process, step by step.
Exemptions and small estate procedures explained
Step-by-step guide to the probate application process
Complete checklist for before and after applying for probate
Where to search and what to do if you can't find it
Understanding IHT requirements and thresholds
How frozen thresholds pull more estates into IHT
How to contact banks and access estate funds
Comprehensive overview of the entire probate process
How to accurately value assets including property, investments and personal possessions
Complete guide to executor duties from probate application to estate distribution
1 in 3 probate applications are sent back.
Answer 5 questions in under 2 minutes. We'll tell you whether you need probate, which route to take, and the mistake most people make at this stage.
Free to check · 2 minutes · No account needed · £179 for your full probate pack