When someone dies, someone has to collect their money and property, pay any debts, and pass on what's left to the people entitled to it. Probate is the legal right to do this.
The person who applies is usually the executor named in the will. If there's no will, the closest living relative can apply - this is called a grant of letters of administration.
Do you need probate?
You might not need probate if the person:
- only had savings or Premium Bonds
- owned property, land, shares or money jointly, as "joint tenants" - these usually pass straight to the surviving owner
Banks and building societies each set their own limit for releasing money without probate. Ask each one what it needs.
You'll almost always need probate if the person owned property or land in their own name.
Before you apply: Inheritance Tax
You have to work out the value of the estate before you apply. If Inheritance Tax is due, you'll need to report it to HMRC and usually pay some or all of it before probate is granted. See our guide to Inheritance Tax.
How to apply
You can apply yourself, online or by post, through GOV.UK. You'll need:
- the original will, if there is one
- the death certificate
- details of the estate's value
You'll usually get probate within 12 weeks
Of applying. Sorting out the whole estate afterwards often takes several months more.
Fees (England and Wales)
Estate worth £5,000 or less
No fee
Estate worth more than £5,000
£526
Extra copies of the grant
£2 each if you order them when you apply, or £16 each later
You'll need an extra copy for each bank or organisation that asks to see one, so it's cheapest to order them when you apply. If you're on a low income or certain benefits, you may get help with the fee.
Doing it yourself, or getting help
Many people apply for probate themselves, particularly when the estate is straightforward. It's worth getting professional help if the estate includes property, a business, or Inheritance Tax, or if family members disagree.
A solicitor, a probate specialist or some banks can deal with probate for you. Their fees are usually paid from the estate. Before you agree, ask how they charge - by the hour, a fixed fee, or a percentage of the estate - and when they expect to be paid.
We are writing a step-by-step pack for executors
Sorting out someone's estate is not one job, it is forty small ones: closing accounts, chasing pensions, valuing a house, keeping a record of every penny in and out so the family can see it was done properly. Most people only ever do it once, and they do it while they are grieving.
We are putting together a pack that walks you through it in order, with the forms you need, a running account you can fill in, and a plain-English note on what each step is actually for. It covers England and Wales.
It is not finished, and we would rather build what people want than guess. If you would like it when it is ready, leave your email address below and we will tell you. We will not send you anything else.
While you wait, here is our free guide to the first month.
Thank you. We will email you when the pack is ready.
Scotland and Northern Ireland
In Scotland the process is called confirmation, and it's dealt with by the sheriff court. Northern Ireland has its own probate office. The rules differ from England and Wales, so check the official guidance for each.
Official guidance: gov.uk/applying-for-probate
Reviewed by the Arranging a Funeral team - September 2026. Checked against GOV.UK.
See also When someone dies in Scotland.
Common questions
What is probate?
The legal right to collect someone's money and property, pay any debts, and pass on what's left to the people entitled to it.
Do I always need probate?
Not always. You might not need it if the person only had savings or Premium Bonds, or owned everything jointly as "joint tenants". You'll almost always need it if they owned property or land in their own name.
How much does probate cost?
In England and Wales there's no fee if the estate is worth £5,000 or less. Above that, the fee is £526. Extra copies of the grant are £2 each if you order them when you apply, or £16 each later.
How long does probate take?
You'll usually get probate within 12 weeks of applying. Sorting out the whole estate often takes several months more.
Can I apply for probate myself?
Yes, online or by post through GOV.UK. It's worth getting professional help if the estate includes property, a business or Inheritance Tax, or if family members disagree.
What about Scotland?
In Scotland it's called confirmation, and it's dealt with by the sheriff court. See [when someone dies in Scotland](/advice/funeral-advice/when-someone-dies-in-scotland/).