Apply for probate on paper as a practitioner

When to apply by paper

Grants of probate

MyHMCTS cannot accept probate grant applications in all cases. In these cases, you must apply using the paper form:

• for a second grant for the same estate
• where the person entitled has been convicted of murder or manslaughter of the deceased or has otherwise forfeited the right to apply
• in respect of a foreign will
• accompanied by an application to prove a copy of the will
• accompanied by an application for rectification or fiat copy of the will
• for joinder of administrator, under rule 25
• two or more persons are entitled in the same degree, under rule 27 (3) to (8)
• where the deceased died domiciled outside England and Wales, under rule 30, except a grant under rule 30 (3)(b) where the whole estate in England and Wales is immovable
• to attorneys, under rule 31
• related to resealing under Colonial Probates Acts 1892 and 1927, under rule 39
• for administration under discretionary powers of court section 116, under rule 52

If none of these conditions applies, then you must use MyHMCTS.

You can apply online for trust corporations and other corporate bodies, under rule 36. However, you can also still apply with the paper form.

Letters of administration

You can apply online with MyHMCTS if all of these conditions are met:

• there is only one applicant and they are the only person entitled to the estate (the applicant is the person who will be named on the grant)
• the applicant is a spouse/civil partner or sole child/adopted child of the deceased
• where the deceased was domiciled outside of England and Wales, the estate in England and Wales only consists of immovable property
• there is no other claim on the estate
• there is no minority interest
• the applicant is able to make their own decisions
• the deceased died after 1 October 2014

You cannot apply online and must apply by paper form if any of these apply:

• the applicant is represented by an attorney, under Rule 31
• where all those entitled are deceased and their legal personal representatives are making the application
• related to resealing under Colonial Probates Acts 1892 and 1927, under rule 39
• for administration under discretionary powers of court section 116, under rule 52
• where the person entitled has been convicted of murder or manslaughter of the deceased or has otherwise forfeited the right to apply

Letters of administration with will annexed

You can apply online with MyHMCTS if all of these conditions are met:

• there is only one applicant and they are the only person entitled to the estate (the applicant is the person who will be named on the grant)
• all the beneficiaries in the will and/or codicils (both who receive a specific gift and who get the residue) are over 18
• the applicant is named in the will and/or codicils as the only residuary legatee or devisee or residuary legatee and devisee
• all executors, residuary legatees and devisees holding the estate in trust have died or chosen not to apply

You must apply by paper form if the application is:

• for a second grant for the same estate
• for a foreign will
• accompanied by an application to prove a copy of the will
• accompanied by an application for rectification or fiat copy of the will
• for joinder of administrator, under rule 25
• for 2 or more persons who are entitled in the same degree, under rule 27 (3) to (8)
• where there is a life interest

How to apply

If there is a will complete application form PA1P for probate professional practitioners.

If there is not a will complete application form PA1A for probate professional practitioners.

You can also apply to stop a probate grant being issued.

Pay for the application

You need to pay on application.

The application fee is £300 if the value of the estate is over £5,000.

There’s no fee if the estate is £5,000 or less.

For a second grant in an estate where a previous grant has been issued the fee is £21, even if the estate is £5,000 or less. For cases with a settled land limitation, if the value of the estate is £5,000 or less there’s no fee and if it’s over £5,000 it is £300.

Extra copies of the grant cost £1.50£16 each.

You can pay by either:

• sending a cheque payable to HMCTS with your documents
• adding your Payment by Account number in your application

Send your completed form to HMCTS Probate with the documents set out in each form’s checklist.

Your client may be eligible for Help with fees. All probate fees are eligible apart from probate searches or ordering copies of a grant of representation.

If you are applying using an IHT 400 form

Send the form directly to HMRC:

Once you’ve sent your completed IHT400 to HMRC, you’ll get a letter within 20 working days which you’ll need before you can apply for probate.

If you have not received the letter after 20 working days, you must contact HMRC.

Where to send your application

Send your application to:

Email: newcastledprenquiries@justice.gov.uk

You’ll need to use a signed-for or tracked postal service that will deliver to PO boxes.

We cannot return the will to you.

Get help with your application

We can provide reasonable adjustments if you have disabilities. Contact us to ask for a reasonable adjustment or for help with your application.

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