Farra is a death administration assistant for UK families. Get step-by-step guidance for registering a death, applying for probate, notifying banks, and managing bereavement admin. From essential documents to practical checklists, Farra simplifies estate paperwork and funeral-related tasks so you can focus on what matters.
Need to apply for probate?
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Probate involves: (1) Check if needed (not required for estates under £5K-£50K or joint assets), (2) gather documents (will, death certificate, asset values, IHT forms), (3) apply using form PA1P and pay £273, (4) wait 8-12 weeks for grant, (5) settle debts and distribute assets to beneficiaries.
Probate is the legal permission to handle someone’s money, property, and possessions after they’ve died. If there’s a will, the person named as executor applies for this. If there isn’t, a close relative can step in instead. For a detailed overview of the entire UK probate system, see our complete guide to probate in the UK.
It can feel like a big word—but really, it’s about helping the right person do the right thing, with the right documents.
Not always. Some estates are small or simple enough to manage without it. But you’ll likely need probate if:
Joint accounts or assets that pass directly to a surviving partner may not need probate at all.
These early steps help lay the groundwork. You don’t need to rush. Take each one at your own pace.
These steps can feel technical—Farra is here to help with checklists and reminders.
You can apply online at GOV.UK or by post. There are different forms depending on whether there’s a will.
You’ll need to send:
Probate isn't always needed—many joint or low-value estates can be settled without it.
Once you’ve received the grant of probate (or letters of administration), you can move forward with estate administration. For comprehensive step-by-step guidance on the full probate journey, see our complete UK probate guide. Here's what you can do:
Keep simple records of everything—this helps if questions come up later, and shows that everything was handled carefully.
Probate takes time. There’s no rush to finish it all at once. Take breaks when you need to. Farra can help you keep track.
Gather documents, value assets, complete IHT forms, apply for probate
HMRC and Probate Registry process application. Grant of probate issued.
Collect assets, pay debts, file final tax returns, distribute to beneficiaries
Simple estates may complete faster. Complex estates with disputes or overseas assets can take 2+ years.
Farra’s full probate assistant—with form help, application walkthroughs, and reminders at every stage.
No, probate isn't always needed. You may not need it for estates under £5,000-£10,000, joint assets that pass to the surviving owner, or assets with named beneficiaries like life insurance. However, you'll likely need probate if the deceased owned property in their sole name or banks require it to release funds.
Applying for probate costs £273 (waived if the estate is below £5,000). You'll also need the death certificate (£12.50 per copy) and may need extra probate grant copies (£1.50 each). If using a solicitor, they typically charge £1,500-£5,000+ depending on estate complexity. Many people apply themselves to save money.
Probate typically takes 6-12 months from start to finish. Simple estates may complete in 3-6 months. The Probate Registry takes 8-16 weeks to issue the grant after application. Complex estates with disputes, overseas assets, or inheritance tax can take 12-24+ months. Preparation (valuing assets, completing IHT forms) takes 1-3 months before applying.
Probate (Grant of Probate) is issued when there's a valid will, giving executors authority to administer the estate. Letters of Administration are issued when there's no will, giving the administrator (usually next of kin) authority. Both serve the same purpose and cost the same (£273), but different forms are used: PA1P for probate, PA1A for letters of administration.
No, you cannot distribute estate assets before receiving the grant of probate (except for small funeral expense payments banks may release). Distributing assets without probate is illegal and you could be personally liable. You must wait for the grant, then use it to close accounts, sell property, and distribute to beneficiaries as specified in the will or intestacy rules.
No, you can apply for probate yourself without a solicitor if the estate is straightforward. Use form PA1P (with will) or PA1A (no will), complete inheritance tax forms, and submit online or by post. Consider a solicitor if the estate is complex, has overseas assets, involves disputes, or you're unsure about inheritance tax. Solicitors charge £1,500-£5,000+ but handle everything for you.
Step-by-step probate application process, forms needed, costs, and typical timeframes for grant of probate.
Complete checklist of documents needed for probate in the UK. From death certificates to asset valuations - everything executors need to gather for probate applications.
Find out if you need probate in the UK. Property always needs probate. Small estates under £5K-£50K may not (depends on bank). Joint assets exempt.
Comprehensive estate administration checklist for UK executors. Step-by-step guide covering probate, asset collection, debt payment, and distribution with timelines.
Ultimate step-by-step probate guide: 10-stage process, realistic timelines (6-18 months), complete costs (DIY vs solicitor), IHT forms, executor duties, common problems & solutions.
Ready to apply for probate?
Answer 15 questions and we'll tell you exactly what to file, in what order, and what to do when it gets complicated.
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