Applying for Probate

Applying for the legal right to deal with someone’s property, money and possessions (their ‘estate’) when they die is called ‘applying for probate’. 

  • If the person left a will, you’ll get a ‘grant of probate’. 
  • If the person did not leave a will, you’ll get ‘letters of administration’. 

When Probate is Not Needed 

You may not need probate if the person who died:  
  • had jointly owned land, property, shares or money - these will automatically pass to the surviving owners 
  • only had savings or premium bonds 
Contact each asset holder (for example a bank or mortgage company) to find out if you will need probate to get access to their assets. Every organisation has its own rules. 

See Also: 

Further information on Applying for Probate can be found on GOV.UK's website