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Complete Form PA15, sign it before an independent witness, and file it with the Probate Registry. No fee is payable. Act before you intermeddle — once you have accessed accounts or paid debts, you cannot renounce without a court application.
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Renunciation is the formal legal act by which a named executor permanently gives up their right and duty to administer a deceased person's estate. It is distinct from having power reserved, which is a temporary stepping back that preserves the right to act later.
Once renunciation is filed, the renouncing executor is discharged from all executor duties and cannot be made personally liable for anything that happens in the estate administration thereafter. Their appointment is extinguished.
Renunciation is governed by the Non-Contentious Probate Rules 1987. It is a well-established part of English probate law reflecting the principle that executorship is a voluntary act — no one can be compelled to serve. For background, see our guide on whether you can refuse to be an executor.
The right to renounce exists only if you have not yet "intermeddled" in the estate. Intermeddling means taking an act of administration — an act that only an executor is authorised to do. Examples include:
Actions that are not intermeddling:
If you have intermeddled, you cannot simply renounce. You must instead apply to the court under section 50 of the Administration of Justice Act 1985 to be removed. This is a more complex and costly process. See our guide on removing a co-executor through the courts.
The Probate Registry will record your renunciation. When the remaining executors apply for probate, they will attach a copy of your renunciation to their application.
They proceed with the administration. Your renunciation does not affect their authority. They will note your renunciation on the probate application. The estate administration continues under their control. See our estate administration checklist for what lies ahead.
No one now holds authority to administer the estate. The residuary beneficiary may apply for Letters of Administration with Will Annexed using Form PA1P, attaching your renunciation as supporting evidence. This grant carries the same authority as a Grant of Probate. See our guide on applying for probate for the application process.
Renunciation is generally permanent. The Non-Contentious Probate Rules 1987 provide that a renunciation may only be retracted with the leave (permission) of a district judge or registrar. Leave will only be granted in exceptional circumstances, and courts are very reluctant to permit retraction once probate has been granted to another person or once beneficiaries have relied on the renunciation.
If you are uncertain, the right approach is to have power reserved rather than to renounce. This keeps your appointment alive while allowing the administration to proceed without you.
There is no need to give a reason when filing Form PA15, but common motivations include:
Ready to start administering the estate? Farra can guide you through every step.
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