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How do I apply for a grant ? The four stages to apply for a grant are set out below: 1. Obtaining the forms The following forms will either have been enclosed with this booklet or may be obtained from your nearest Probate Registry (see enclosed list (PA4)).
The full market value of any house owned by the deceased should be shown although a professional valuation is not normally required. The value of household goods, jewellery and belongings should be shown as the amount for which they could be sold, not their value for insurance purposes. Please refer to the IHT206 for further guidance. Form IHT205 is applicable in most cases but if it does not apply in your case you will need to complete a full Inland Revenue Account (form IHT200). You can order this from Inland Revenue (Capital Taxes) on 0845 234 1020 (answerphone service). Alternatively it can be downloaded from www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/cto on the Internet. They will send you a pack including form IHT200 and form D18 (Probate Summary). In these cases you have the option of assessing any tax due yourself or asking the Inland Revenue (Capital Taxes) to do it for you. You should follow the instructions you receive from the Inland Revenue regarding IHT200 and send the completed D18 to us with your application. Do not send IHT200 to the Probate Registry. If you have any queries regarding the completion of form IHT200 you should telephone the Inland Revenue (Capital Taxes) Helpline on 0115 9742400. 2. Completing the forms You should complete the relevant forms fully and tick the checklist on form PA1 to confirm that you have enclosed all the necessary paperwork and accompanying documents. Please refer to the Guidance Notes on PA1 (PA1a) and to the IHT206 booklet to assist you. 3. Returning the forms You must send the completed forms (i.e. PA1, IHT205 or D18) together with a cheque for the fee payable (see fee list enclosed) and accompanying documents to the controlling Probate Registry of your choice. A list of addresses is enclosed (PA4). Please note . you should not send any correspondence to any of the local Probate interview venues as they are operated on an appointment only basis and opening times vary. When you return the forms PA1 and IHT205 or D18 you should also send the following:-
The original Will may be held at a solicitor's office or a bank or it may be amongst the deceased's possessions. You should make a thorough search for it and if you cannot find it you should contact your local Probate Registry. A Will may be lodged for safe-keeping at the Principal Probate Registry in London. If this is the case it will be identified when your application is examined. If you do not send the original Will, your application will be delayed. We strongly advise you to make and keep a copy of any Will or codicil you send us and to send the original document(s) by recorded or guaranteed delivery together with your application forms. Please do not attach anything to the Will by staple, pin etc. or remove any fastenings from the Will.
When we receive your application we will examine it and contact you if there are any difficulties. If your application is complicated there may be additional documents to be signed or you may be asked to contact other people (for example a witness to a Will) so that we can interview them or obtain their signatures to documents to assist with your application. If there are no problems we will, within approximately 10 working days from the date of receipt of your application, send you a letter giving you an appointment for interview at the location you have chosen. If you want us to acknowledge your application, please send a stamped addressed envelope. 4. Attending the appointment for interview The purpose of the appointment is to confirm the details that you have given on the forms and to answer any queries you or we may have. You will receive further information about the interview with your appointment letter but basically you will be asked to sign a form of oath and to swear or affirm before the interviewing officer that the information you have given is true to the best of your knowledge. The interview should last no more than ten to fifteen minutes. In most cases only one appointment is required. If you are applying for a grant with someone else who is unable to attend for interview at the place you have chosen, arrangements may be made for them to attend at a different interview venue (see PA4). However this will mean that the issue of your grant will take longer.
Below are forms and guidance notes made available to you to guide you through the process of probate. This information refers only to the law in England and Wales. If the deceased was permanently resident outside England and Wales another system of law may apply – this will be explained when we receive your application. If you need to apply for a Grant of Representation in Scotland or Northern Ireland, you should contact the court in the appropriate country.
For more information see The Court Service |
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