Top tips to get probate applications granted without delay
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Stephen Burgess, Probate Service Manager at HMCTS shares some practical tips to help get applications granted without delay.
Behind every probate application is a bereaved family trying to organise their affairs at what can be a very sensitive time. We’re working to make the process of applying for probate as easy as possible for members of the public and for probate professionals.
Remember to send all the relevant documents
Some applications are delayed because the supporting documents we need to grant probate are missing.
Common missing documents include:
- power of attorney forms
- original Wills
- inheritance tax documents.
It’s very important that all supporting documents are sent to us at the same time as the application to reduce the risk of delays. Professionals applying for probate can see the documents they need to send when they are logged into their MyHMCTS account and members of the public can see a list of the documents they need to send by logging into their account if they’ve applied online.
Organise your inheritance tax
When a full inheritance tax account is required, it is administered by HMRC and must be settled before you apply for probate. HMRC will send a letter confirming if inheritance tax is due, has been paid, or that suitable arrangements are in place to pay an outstanding balance. The letter will also include a code that you should input into MyHMCTS when applying for probate.
Tell us about all executors
Remember to add the details of all estate executors when submitting applications. Missing executors may have passed away, but we’ll have to pause an application if a Will has an executor who is not listed on the application.
Update us on the condition of the Will
To reduce the risk of fraud we need to pause applications that have unexplained changes to their condition. Changes we look for include:
- staple holes
- rips
- stains
To avoid delays, probate professionals should use the text boxes on MyHMCTS to explain any issues relating to the Will’s condition. The information shared in this box is added to the legal statement and reviewed by our assessors.
Personal applicants answer specific questions designed to draw out information on any issues relating to the condition of the Will.
Save time, check progress online
Probate professionals can log into MyHMCTS to manage and check the status of their probate applications. MyHMCTS also allows professionals to track their progress at any time, from any device. Personal applicants can also check the progress of their application by logging on to GOV.UK to check the progress of their application. This saves everyone time in calling us and means people can monitor progress at their convenience.