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How to Apply for a Grant of Probate on Your Own

February 11, 2020 By Richard Farrell

Even if a person quite close you passes on, you may still need government permission before you dive in, empty their house, and share out their possessions. That because the administration wants to see fair play.

You probably need to get a Grant of Probate, even if the person left a will where you are the sole beneficiary. However, if they did not leave a will, then you need to ask for Letters of Administration. The two processes are similar.

Circumstances When You May Not Need a Grant

Banks and other institutions will not release the assets of an estate without seeing a grant. In fact, the assets are frozen at the time of death. However they may waive this if:

1… The estate consists of savings and premium bonds

2… The estate was owned jointly with somebody else

In the latter instance, everything passes automatically to the surviving owner. However, you may still need to get permission from the banks and certain other institutions in your capacity as administrator, or executor with a grant.

Costs Attached to a Private Probate Application

There is no application fee if the estate is worth under £5,000. Above that, the fixed fee is currently £215. This buys you one official letter. You may need a few more at £1.50 each if you are writing to several banks and other institutions at the same time.

Applying for a Grant Without a Solicitor

You don’t necessarily need a solicitor to apply for a grant, although you need to be fairly computer-literate if you decide to apply on the internet. You can only lodge an application:

1… After checking you need a grant

2… If you are the spouse, civil partner or a child

3… You have reported the estate to revenue services

4… You have made arrangements to pay inheritance tax

Applying For a Grant Online

You can now go ahead and apply for probate online, provided the person who passed away lived in England or Wales for most of their life. However, you must have the original will unless your relative passed on intestate. You must also have the original death certificate in both instances.

Applying for a Grant by Post

You first have to pay the application fee to your nearest district probate registry. They will give you a reference number you enter on the form. Use Form PAIP if there is a will. If not, use Form PAIA for an intestate estate.

Complete the form and post it to your nearest district probate registry together with:

1… The original will and any additions / codicils

2… Two copies of those documents, where they apply

3… The original death / interim death certificate
private probate application

4… A letter, if the will / codicils are separated / damaged

Always remember to get certified copies of original documents before you let them out of your hands. You will need to attach scanned versions of documents listed on the form.

That’s about all there is to say about applying for probate on your own. One final word is never leave a field on a government form blank. If a question does not apply, then say so. Governments hate uncertainty especially when it comes to probate.

More Reading

A Quick Guide to The Ins and Outs of Probate

Can a Deathbed Gift Override the Rules of Intestacy?

Related

Filed Under: Chattels Valuation, Probate Valuation Tagged With: deathbed gift, grant of probate, house contents valuation for probate, inheritance tax, private probate application, probate contents valuation, probate guide

Our House Clearance Services

We provide a full house clearance and property management solution:

  • We clear hoarded houses, regardless how big or how cluttered
  • We clear all types and sizes of property, irrespective of location, or access is restricted or where parking is difficult or not available.
  • We can help avoid water damage by draining the central heating system.
  • We can secure the property and change the locks.
  • We can reinstate the gardens and maintain them whilst the property is empty.
  • We can provide 24 hour security to eliminate the risk of squatting or unlawful occupation.

As well normal house clearances we specialise in clutter clearance and we can clear a hoarded house which may contain years of accumulated possessions, or which have abnormal amounts of general household items, sometimes as a result of compulsive hoarding syndrome.

Equally we can help to clear a property where the occupants were previously unwell and unable to care for themselves or their property which sometimes results in insanitary, dangerous or just plain unpleasant conditions.

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Client Reviews

Jenny Schon
Dec 3, 2021
 by Jenny Schon on Avery Associates
Well done

This truly is a 'one stop shop' for all things relating to Probate valuations and clearance. Jeffrey is a 'facilitator' and full marks to him for finding... Read More

Kevin Anderson
Oct 26, 2021
 by Kevin Anderson on Avery Associates
Fantastic and Reliable

Our aunt was a recluse and hoarder. She died leaving two properties in London that were dilapidated and completely hoarded. Unfortunately, because everything... Read More

It was a pleasure to assist Kevin

T. Hackett
Aug 26, 2021
 by T. Hackett on Avery Associates
1st Class Service

Avery Associates Appraisal I have just moved house after almost 30 years of occupation. My initial choice of movers, Pickfords, decided at the last... Read More

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