Is applying for probate easy, or is it a complicated process? The UK government has done its best to simplify things, although the human factor still plays a role. Many people who apply for permission to administer a will have lost someone they love, so there may be an additional emotional burden too.
The Estate Can Complicate Applying
You have to estimate the value of the estate before applying for probate. This can be a challenge, if the deceased did not provide a summary of their assets. When a client appoints us as an executor, we ask them to list their assets and liabilities.
The UK government will not grant you probate if the estate is worth more than £325,000. Unless, that is, you have agreed a plan for settling the inheritance tax. The answer to the question is applying for probate easy to follow is therefore it depends on the circumstances.
You Have to Follow the Rules When Applying
Unfortunately you can’t wiggle out of this situation. That would be against the law, and heirs could sue you for damages. Besides that, financial and government institutions won’t cooperate until they see your grant of probate, and the deceased’s death certificate too.
What’s Next When Applying For Probate?
Applying for a grant of probate is an easy process to follow in principle. Make sure you have the deceased’s personal details and death certificate. Then google something like ‘apply for probate uk gov’ and you’ll be on your way:
- Click on the link and answer a few preliminary questions.
- Complete section one by providing your details as applicant.
- Complete section two about the deceased and their estate.
- Then pay the small government fee to start the process.
- Write down the 16 digit reference number for the application.
Applying for Probate – The Paperwork
Applying for probate may be easy on the internet, but that does not mean there is no paperwork! The probate people will send you an email asking for the original will and supporting documents. They will not process your application further without this information, so do it right away.
Remember to make certified copies of everything you post, that are attested by a credible professional. If the originals get lost in the mail and you don’t have copies, you may need a confirming letter from Royal Mail before the probate office allows you to continue.
So Probate Is a Relatively Simple Process?
Probate is a relatively easy process to follow, but only if you follow the two-step process in the right order. If you send the documents first without completing the internet application, then the system may not know where to file them.
Would a Paper Application Be Simpler?
Well yes, you could still do that if you wanted to, although you will have to wait for a receipt unless you use a courier. The paper form is exactly the same as the internet one, so the same hurdles apply.
Where Do I Find a Paper Probate Form?
Finding the form for the paper probate application is easy! A quick google search will lead you to the right internet page. Then you simply download the form and print it, or save it on a dongle and find a printer.
Make Applying For Probate Easier – Order a Form!
The folk down at the probate office understand we are busy people. They are willing to post the form if you do one of two things:
- Phone 03300 160 051 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) or text FORM to 60777 and they will call you back.
- Log onto their website and use their chat facility. Ask them to post form PA1P (or PA1A if there is no will).
Applying for probate is easy on hard copy paper too. However, we still recommend you apply digitally on the internet because it is faster. To add to the bonus, you’ll have loads of internet links to follow if you get lost. And you can edit what you type in case you make a mistake!
So I Don’t Need Help Applying for Probate?
That could be the case, if the estate is straightforward and nobody challenges the will. But do consider consulting a solicitor if you see deep water ahead.
You may benefit from the services of a professional valuer, if the value of the estate is greater than £325,000. and there is inheritance tax involved.
Applying for probate may be easy in principle, but you need accurate values if you have to divide the estate between heirs. If one of them disputes your decisions, you may need an independent valuer to counter that too.
This advice comes to you with compliments of Avery Associates of London, professional valuers of property and possessions since 1978.
