Application for probate and letters of administration

Application for a grant of representation

An application for a grant of representation can be made by post to the relevant district probate registry using application forms PA1P or PA1A or via the MyHMCTS online service. Applications can be made by personal representatives (PRs) personally or through a probate practitioner. While the online procedure is available in many circumstances, it has limitations in terms of more complex scenarios and continues to be developed.

With effect from 2 November 2020, the Non-Contentious Probate (Amendment) Rules 2020, SI 2020/1059 (NCPAR 2020) amend the Non-Contentious Probate Rules 1987 (NCPR 1987), SI 1987/2024. A transitional period ran until 11 January 2021 (extended from 30 November 2020). It is now mandatory for professionals to submit most straightforward probate applications using the online process. The list of exceptions, where it continues to be permitted to use the postal application process as an alternative to the online process, is contained in NCPR 1987, SI 1987/2024, Sch 3 and includes all applications for grants of letters of administration, letters of administration with Will annexed, double grants, grants to attorneys

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