Stopping a probate application

You can stop a probate application (‘enter a caveat’), for example because there’s a dispute about:

  • who can apply for probate
  • whether a will exists

A caveat lasts 6 months.

This guide and the service are also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

How to enter a caveat

You must be 18 or over.

You can do it yourself, or use a solicitor or another person licensed to provide probate services.

You can either:

Find your district probate registry. Sub-registries do not deal with probate applications.

You’ll need:

  • the full name, date of death and last address of the person who’s died
  • a home address in England or Wales

The Probate Registry cannot give legal advice.

Fee

It costs £20 to enter a caveat.

If you apply by post, you can pay by either:

  • calling any district probate registry between 9:30am and 3pm to pay by debit or credit card
  • sending a cheque payable to ‘HM Courts and Tribunals Service’ with your form

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