What is a Grant of Representation?

A Grant of Representation is the legal document issued by the Probate Registry in England and Wales that gives someone the official authority to deal with a deceased person’s estate. If you have ever heard the term “getting probate,” a Grant of Representation is what you are actually obtaining.

Two types of Grant of Representation

Grant of Probate

Issued when the deceased left a valid will. Confirms that the will is legally valid and that the named executor has the authority to administer the estate.

Grant of Letters of Administration

Issued when the deceased did not leave a valid will (or when there is no living executor willing and able to act). The person applying becomes the administrator of the estate. The legal authority granted is equivalent to a Grant of Probate.

What does a Grant of Representation allow you to do?

• Access and close bank accounts
• Sell or transfer property
• Encash or transfer investments
• Collect income due to the estate
• Pay debts and distribute the estate to beneficiaries

When is a Grant of Representation not required?

Jointly owned assets with right of survivorship pass automatically to the surviving owner without probate. Very small estates may be dealt with by financial institutions without a formal Grant, though each institution sets its own threshold. Always confirm directly with each institution.

How do you apply?

You apply to the Probate Registry using form PA1P (with a will) or PA1A (without a will), submitting the relevant HMRC inheritance tax forms, paying the £526 application fee, and including the original will where applicable. YouCanDoProbate completes all of this paperwork for you automatically.