Appoint an attorney to get probate if you're an administrator
Apply as an administrator to give someone the legal rights (‘power of attorney’) to apply for probate on your behalf (previously PA12)
Documents
Details
Use this form if you’re an administrator and you want to appoint someone as your attorney to apply for probate so they can manage the estate of someone who has died on your behalf.
You’ll get legal documents called ‘power of attorney’ that states this person has the legal authority to manage the estate.
You can appoint anyone to be your attorney, and any administrator entitled to the estate can have their own attorney.
When you cannot appoint an attorney
You cannot apply to be a power of attorney if the administrator:
- is applying for probate themselves
- does not have ‘mental capacity’; or
- is under the age of 18 years
Your independent witness
You must sign the form in the presence of an independent witness who:
- is not related to the person you’re appointing as your attorney
- has no interest in your estate
How to apply
- download the form
- fill in all the boxes
- print the form
- sign the form in front of an independent witness
- send the completed form to:
HMCTS Probate
PO Box 12625
Harlow
CM20 9QE
Contact us
If you need help with this form contact the probate helpline on 0300 303 0648. The line is open Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm and Saturday 8am to 2pm.
Last updated 1 February 2021 + show all updates
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Updated phoneline opening times.
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First published.