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Find out if you need to apply for probate to deal with the estate of someone who’s died. Discover how to apply for probate or letters of administration and what to do if there’s no will.

• What is probate

  Probate is the legal right to deal with someone’s property, money and…

• If there’s a will

  You can apply for probate if you’re named as an executor in either the…

• If there is not a will

  If the person did not leave a will, the most ‘entitled’ person can apply…

• Before you apply

  Before applying for probate you’ll need to complete the following steps.…

• Fees

  You may have to pay a fee to apply for probate. Whether you need to pay…

• Apply for probate

  You can apply for probate yourself online or by post. This can be cheaper…

• After you've applied

  Your application will be reviewed by the Probate Service. Track your…

Search online for a will, grant of representation or probate document for a death in or after 1858

Find out who is entitled to a share of someone’s property, possessions and money if they die without making a will

Value the estate of someone who's died so that you can get probate: work out if tax is due, check how to report the estate's value, complete the correct form.

Use this form to search for a ‘grant of representation’ (known as ‘probate’) or a will for someone who died in England and Wales in or after 1858.

Check what to do after a death - how to register the death, notify government departments and deal with the estate.

Apply for probate or confirmation if there's Inheritance Tax to pay, or if the deceased's estate does not qualify as an 'excepted estate'.

If someone dies without a will or known family, their ownerless property (bona vacantia) goes to the crown - check if you're an entitled relative, search for an estate, refer or claim on an estate

If you already have the right or have probate (as an executor or administrator) you can start dealing with the estate. You may need to apply for the right to deal with the estate of the person who's died (also...

Forms and guidance on probate including fees, where to send your probate forms (PA1A and PA1P) and supplementary forms to support your application.

• Updated: 25 October 2022