What documents do I need to start a probate application?

To start a probate application in the UK, you need the certificate of death, the original will (if one exists), a filled out Inheritance Tax form, the specific probate application form, and to pay the court fee.

Collecting the documents is a relatively simple process so it isn’t difficult to start a probate application. The executor should be able to round up the documentation relatively easily, or they can be requested from a register office, solicitor or gov.uk.

Probate is the legal process of proving a will is valid and giving executors or administrators the authority to deal with the deceased’s estate.

It can take anywhere between six months to a year or more to process, depending on the complexity of an estate. 

It’s common for probate to see delays along the way. This can be due to missing documentation, complicated assets, or challenges around covering urgent expenses such as Inheritance Tax. 

As Inheritance Tax is due within six months of the date of death, there’s a lot of pressure on estates to find the funds and meet this deadline.

This is where Provira can help. Our Inheritance Tax loans give executors access to up to 50% of the net value of the estate within just a few days. 

We keep costs low, only charging simple interest, not compound interest, and don’t charge any early repayment fees. Plus, we don’t require any monthly repayments. The loan is simply repaid in full once funds have been released from the estate. 

Discover more about our Inheritance Tax Loans here.

What documents are required to apply for probate?

The following documents are required to apply for probate: 

Death certificate

This must be the official copy issued by the register office to legally validate the death. Usually you can get this within five days of registering the death. They do also offer certified copies which are often worth ordering at the same time as banks, HMRC and other services will require these as proof of death.

If the death was referred to a coroner, they will provide a special certificate that can be used until a death certificate is provided.

Original will 

A will is a very specific document and only the physical, original document will be accepted, no copies. 

If you’re not sure what you should put in your will, see our guide here.

Usually the original copy of a will is left with the solicitor of the deceased, a bank, or found at the deceased’s home. If there are any accompanying codicils – legally binding amendments to the will –  these must also be submitted.

The relevant IHT form

There are two types of Inheritance Tax forms so it’s important you know which one to submit. 

1. IHT205: for simple estates below the nil-rate band, currently £350,000. {LINK}

2. IHT400: for more complex or larger estates. 

You can find either of these forms on the HMRC website and can either download them to complete or fill them out online. Even if no tax is due, you must still submit the form. 

Probate application form

Again, for the application form there are two types. 

1. PA1P: for estates with a valid legal will

2. PA1A: for estates without a will

These are both available on gov.uk, and the fact that you can now fill them both out online has streamlined the process significantly. 

Payment of Court fee

A fee of £300 will be due for all estates valued over £5,000. This is paid when the application is put in. Plus, if you want more than one copy of the probate grant, additional versions cost £1.50.

All of this documentation is simple to collect and shouldn’t require any specialist support or access to get hold of. 

Is technology changing how probate documents are managed?

Yes, technology has helped to streamline how probate documents are managed. As systems have developed, more and more of the process can be done online, reducing paperwork and helping to speed things up. 

The biggest changes are in: 

Online probate applications

You are now able to complete the entire application online through gov.uk. For many of the documents, you no longer need to submit it physically. This does not impact the will as digital wills are still not legally valid. 

It is important to note that the Law Commission has been reviewing this, and we might see a change in this soon.

Digital assets in estates

As so much of modern life takes place online, it’s become more common for most documentation and assets to be purely online. Online investment accounts, NFTs, and cryptocurrency wallets, though convenient, can sometimes be tricky to track down and gain access to in order to account for them. 

Digital wallets and open banking

Certain fintech tools are starting to emerge that are designed to help executors bring all financial accounts together as a simple way to manage all the assets in one place. 

How much does it cost to apply for probate?

It costs £300 for all estates valued over £5,000. There is no fee for estates that fall under this threshold. 

For every official copy of the probate grant, there is a £1.50 charge. It’s worth noting that multiple copies are often needed to hand out to banks and other institutions involved in the deceased’s estate so you will probably need to order a few versions.

Plus, if you employ solicitors or a probate specialist to help you with the process, they will come with their own fees. 

When estates are particularly complex, these costs start to add up quickly. 

Then there is the looming cost of covering Inheritance Tax. An IHT bill is due within six months of death in order to be granted probate. And if an estate has its cash tied up in assets, this can pose a serious problem.

This is where Provira can help. Our Inheritance Tax loans are designed for executors to access up to 50% of the net value of the estate, fast. With our loans often being granted within days, we only charge simple interest, not compound interest, don’t ask for early repayment fees, and don’t require any monthly payments.

Instead, the loan is simply repaid in full once probate is complete and the estate has been settled, leaving all of your urgent costs covered.

To explore your options today, reach out to our compassionate team. We’re here to help.

Should you apply for probate yourself?

For straightforward estates, this is completely possible. For complex estates, it can be a bit more risky. 

This is because if there are multiple properties, business assets, holdings abroad, will disputes, and even an unexpectedly high Inheritance Tax bill, it can make the process complicated.

We always recommend getting the right professional guidance to make sure there is no risk of you becoming personally liable for the estate, and reducing the chance of mistakes being made and penalties being charged. 

How can Provira help a probate application?

A probate application requires Inheritance Tax to be paid within six months of death. For complex, asset-rich, cash-poor estates facing a high IHT bill, executors can find themselves struggling to raise the funds in time. 

Our Inheritance Tax loans offer estates a lifeline so executors can ease any financial pressure and keep the probate process moving.

With our Inheritance Tax loans you: 

• Can access up to 50% of the net value of the estate within days.

• Only pay simple interest, not compound interest, saving you money in the long run

• Will not be charged early repayment fees if everything wraps up sooner than expected

• Don’t have to think about monthly repayments, the loan is repaid in full once the funds are released from the estate.

So you have more time to focus on what matters. 

Start your application by filling out our form today. It takes just a few minutes.