Probate forms explained: which forms you need and how to complete them

Probate forms are the official documents you submit to HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) to request legal authority over a deceased person’s estate. Without the correct probate application form, you cannot access bank accounts, sell property, or distribute assets to beneficiaries. This guide explains which probate forms you need, and how to complete them correctly. If you’re unsure which forms apply or want to avoid costly errors, speaking with a probate solicitor can help ensure your application is completed correctly the first time.

Key Takeaway: Which probate forms do you need?

Choose your grant of probate form based on one question: did the deceased leave a valid will?

1. If YES – use the PA1P form. This probate application form gives you a grant of probate, the legal document confirming your authority to act as executor under the will. The PA1P is the standard form for probate application when there’s a will in England and Wales.
2. If NO – use the PA1A form. This form grants letters of administration, legal authority to manage the estate when someone dies without a will (intestacy). The rules for who can apply are stricter: you must be the closest living relative under intestacy law.

If your estate exceeds £200,000 or involves tax complications, disputes, or complex assets, consult a probate solicitor to avoid rejection delays and errors.

Form PA1P: probate application form when there’s a will

The PA1P is the main probate form you’ll use if the deceased left a will. It requests a grant of probate from HMCTS. Only executors named in the will (or beneficiaries if all executors decline) can submit this form.

Who can apply for PA1P:

• Executors named in the will (have priority).
• Attorneys acting on behalf of named executors.
• Beneficiaries if all named executors have renounced or died.
• If beneficiaries are under 18, consider legal advice.

The 7 Sections of PA1P (the official probate application form):

1. Section A: About the applicant(s). Enter your full name, address, and contact details exactly as shown on your official ID. Up to four people can apply jointly. Mismatches delay processing.
2. Section B: About the deceased. Provide full name, date of birth, date of death, and permanent address exactly as shown on the death certificate. List any other names used to hold assets separately; omitted names won’t transfer to your grant.
3. Section C: About the will and codicils. State the will date and list any codicils. Name executors NOT applying and explain why (died before/after, power reserved, renunciation, attorney appointed, or lacking capacity). Notify those with power reserved in writing; HMCTS may ask for evidence.
4. Section D: About relatives. Provide numbers only (no names) of surviving spouse/civil partner, children over/under 18, grandchildren, and other blood relatives. HMCTS uses this to verify the application matches the estate’s family circumstances.
5. Section E: Applying as an attorney. Leave blank unless applying on behalf of an executor lacking mental capacity under Mental Capacity Act 2005. Requires court orders or registered LPA documentation.
6. Section F: Foreign domicile. Complete only if the deceased lived abroad but owned UK assets. Describe UK assets and provide foreign succession certificates if available.
7. Section G: Inheritance Tax. You must provide the Inheritance Tax information HMCTS requires. If tax is due or you submitted a full account to HMRC, you may need to start payment and wait for HMRC confirmation before applying. If the estate qualifies as an excepted estate, you can usually apply without submitting a full IHT account.

PA1P checklist before sending:

• HT documents or exemption confirmation.
• Completed PA1P form signed by all applicants.
• Payment: £300 (free if estate under £5,000 net value).
• Original will and any codicils (photocopies are rejected).
• Official copy of the death certificate (or a coroner’s interim certificate where applicable).

Form PA1A: probate application forms when there’s no will

The PA1A is used when someone dies without a valid will (intestacy). It applies for letters of administration instead of probate. The legal rules change fundamentally: you must be the closest living relative, and the estate distributes under Section 46, Administration of Estates Act 1925 intestacy rules, not according to the deceased’s wishes.

Who can apply for PA1A (priority order – first person eligible can apply):

1. Spouse or civil partner (highest priority).
2. Children (or their children if child predeceased).
3. Parents.
4. Siblings (or their children if sibling predeceased).
5. Half-siblings or their descendants.
6. More distant relatives (only if no one above survives).

Under Section 46, the deceased’s estate is divided equally among people in the same priority category. If a spouse survives, they inherit the first £322,000 (2024/25 threshold) plus half the remainder, the other half passes to children.

The PA1A Form (key differences from PA1P):

Sections A, B, D, E, F, and G are identical to PA1P. The critical difference is “Section C:”

Section C: About intestacy. Confirm no valid will exists and state whether the deceased left a spouse, children, or other relatives. HMCTS uses this to verify you’re the correct person eligible to apply. Disputes can delay probate for months.

PA1A checklist:

• Official certified death certificate.
• IHT documents or exemption confirmation.
• Payment: £300 (free if estate under £5,000).
• Completed PA1A form signed by all applicants.
• Marriage/civil partnership certificate (if spouse applying).
• Birth certificates showing lineage (if children/grandchildren applying).

Supplementary probate forms you may need

Beyond PA1P and PA1A, HMCTS provides supporting probate forms for specific circumstances:

• Form PA11 – Power of Attorney (with will). Use if a named executor cannot apply but appoints you as their attorney. The executor must sign PA11; provide evidence of the power of attorney to HMCTS.
• Form PA13 – Report Lost Will. Use if the original will is lost and you only have a copy. Prove reasonable efforts to locate it. HMCTS may reject the copy and treat the estate as intestate, adding 6-8 weeks minimum.
• Form PA14 – Medical Certificate (capacity). Required if a named executor may lack mental capacity under Mental Capacity Act 2005. A registered medical practitioner confirms capacity; if lacking, someone else must apply instead.
• Form PA15 – Renunciation. Complete if you’re named executor but permanently refuse to act. You give up all future rights – cannot be reversed. HMCTS uses this to confirm who will actually apply.
• Form PA8B – Stop a Grant (Caveat). File to block someone else’s probate application temporarily (6 months) in will disputes or challenges. Court fees apply and can extend administration by 6-18+ months.

Common mistakes that delay probate application forms

HMCTS frequently returns applications due to missing documents or errors. Here are the mistakes that cause rejection cycles:

• Missing or wrong documents. Photocopies of the will are rejected; only originals accepted. HMCTS requires an official certified death certificate before issuing a grant. Incomplete IHT forms halt processing until HMRC confirms figures. Each missing document adds 4-8 weeks per cycle.
• Names don’t match across documents. If your name on PA1P differs from your passport/driving licence, HMCTS requests clarification. If the deceased used multiple name variations (maiden name, trading name, nickname), list each separately; omitted names won’t be included in your grant.
• Unsigned or partially signed forms. All applicants must sign Section 9 (Legal statement). If one applicant doesn’t sign, the form is invalid. Electronic signatures accepted for online applications; ink signatures required for paper.
• Incomplete Section D (relatives). If beneficiaries under 18 exist or vulnerable beneficiaries are involved, ensure proper safeguards are in place. Omitting them causes HMCTS to request clarification.
• Wrong inheritance tax entries. The most common rejection reason. Wrong gross/net values, forgetting IHT205 for small estates, or unpaid IHT before applying all cause holds. IHT discrepancies alone add 6-12 weeks for HMRC re-confirmation.
• Executor disputes or power reserved issues. If you state power reserved but don’t provide written notice evidence, HMCTS may pause and ask for proof. Uncooperative executors stall applications indefinitely.
• Unrealistic valuations. Significantly undervaluing property or assets triggers HMRC audit risk post-probate and potential executor liability. Obtain professional valuations for significant assets.

Probate forms fees and costs (2026)

The application fee is £300 if the estate exceeds £5,000 net value. Estates £5,000 or less qualify for free applications. Additional certified copies of the grant of probate cost £16 each.

Total official costs:

• Probate fee: £300 (or free if under £5,000).
• Death certificates: £12.50 per copy via GRO standard service (order 3-5 copies total).
• Certified grant copies: £16 each (order what you need).
• Total: approximately £350-£500 depending on requirements.

Online application costs identical to paper; the fee doesn’t change. However, online applications typically process faster and reduce scanning errors that trigger rejections.

Payment methods:

Cheque payable to HMCTS (write deceased’s name on back) or debit card by phone (0300 303 0648). Once paid, you receive a reference number to enter on the form.

FAQs

Can I apply before receiving the death certificate? In practice, HMCTS requires an official certified death certificate before issuing a grant. Register the death as soon as you can, usually within 5 days in England and Wales, unless a coroner is involved.

Do all executors have to apply together? No. Up to four can apply jointly, but others can have power reserved (stepping aside but retaining rights) or give renunciation (permanently refusing). You must notify those with power reserved in writing.

Can I use both PA1P and PA1A? No. HMCTS rejects dual submissions. Submit either PA1P (will exists) or PA1A (no will). If uncertain, search the National Will Register or Certainty service.

Completing probate forms correctly on first submission eliminates rejection cycles and delays. Accuracy matters more than speed. Whether you handle it yourself or seek professional help, understanding which form to use and avoiding common mistakes protects your time, money, and reduces executor liability risk significantly.

Getting probate right matters

If you’re uncertain about your situation, Qredible’s network of vetted probate solicitors offers free initial consultations to guide you through the process with confidence.

This guide is for general information and reflects current HMCTS procedures for probate applications in England and Wales. It does not replace legal advice for complex estates, disputes, or situations involving significant tax liability.

Next steps:

Before submitting your probate application forms, verify:

• Right form chosen: PA1P (will exists) or PA1A (no will)?
• All sections completed: No blank mandatory fields or unclear answers?
• Documents attached: Original will (not photocopy), death certificate, IHT proof?
• Names consistent: Applicant names match ID; deceased names match will and death certificate exactly?
• All applicants sign Section 9 and fees calculated (£300 if estate over £5,000)?
• Executor and IHT issues resolved: Power reserved notified in writing? Renunciations obtained? IHT payment or exemption (IHT205) attached?