How to Apply for Probate in England and Wales: a Step-by-Step Guide

Applying for probate in England and Wales involves a defined sequence of steps. Understanding the full process before you begin helps you plan what information you need and in what order.

Step 1: Register the death

Register with the local registrar within five days. Order several certified copies of the death certificate (£11 each). Ask about the Tell Us Once service to notify government agencies simultaneously.

Step 2: Locate the Will

Search thoroughly for the original Will. Check the deceased’s home, their solicitor, their bank, and the National Will Register. If no Will is found, the estate is treated as intestate.

Step 3: Value the estate

Contact every bank, building society, investment platform, pension provider, and insurer for date-of-death valuations. Arrange a property valuation. Identify all outstanding debts. The net estate value determines whether IHT may be due.

Step 4: Complete the HMRC inheritance tax return

For most deaths from 1 January 2022, the IHT400 must be submitted to HMRC before or alongside the probate application. Once HMRC processes the return, they issue an IHT421 reference needed for the probate application. YouCanDoProbate completes the IHT400 and all supplementary schedules automatically.

Step 5: Submit the probate application

Use form PA1P (with a Will) or PA1A (without a Will), submitted with the original Will, death certificate, IHT421 reference, and the £526 application fee. Order additional official copies of the Grant at £2 each.

Step 6: Receive the Grant and administer the estate

Present the Grant to financial institutions. Place a Statutory Notice for Creditors in The Gazette. Obtain HMRC tax clearance. Pay all debts and expenses. Distribute the estate to beneficiaries. Draw up estate accounts.