Obtaining a Sealed Copy of a Grant of Probate
Obtaining a Sealed Copy of a Grant of Probate
Obtaining a sealed copy of a grant of probate can be a complex and time-consuming process, but it is an important step in the administration of an estate. In the UK, a grant of probate is a legal document that confirms the authority of an executor to manage and distribute the assets of a deceased person.
A sealed copy of the grant of probate is a certified copy of this document that is stamped with an official seal, and it can be useful for a variety of purposes, such as accessing bank accounts or selling property.
In this blog, we will explore the process of obtaining a sealed copy of a grant of probate in the UK, including the steps you need to take and the factors you need to consider.
Determine the Probate Registry
The first step in obtaining a sealed copy of a grant of probate is to determine which Probate Registry issued the original grant. The Probate Registry is a court that handles applications for grants of probate and provides copies of the grant to interested parties.
In some cases, it may also be necessary to apply for a new grant of probate if there are significant errors or omissions in the original grant. This can be a more complex and time-consuming process, so it is best to avoid errors and ensure that the information on the original grant of probate is accurate and complete from the outset.
You can find out which Probate Registry issued the original grant by checking the original grant of probate or by contacting
The Probate Company to handled the deceased person's affairs. If you are unsure which Probate Registry to contact, you can search for the relevant registry on the
HM Courts & Tribunals Service website.
Complete the necessary forms
Once you have determined which Probate Registry to contact, you will need to complete the relevant form(s) to request a sealed copy of the grant of probate. The forms required will depend on the Probate Registry where the original grant was issued.
The most commonly used form is the
PA1S form, which is used to apply for a sealed copy of a grant of probate or letters of administration. This form asks for details such as the deceased person's name and date of death, as well as your relationship to the deceased or your interest in the estate.
You can download the necessary forms from the
HM Courts & Tribunals Service website or obtain them from the relevant Probate Registry.
Pay the Sealed Copy of a Grant of Probate Fee
There is a fee for obtaining a sealed copy of a grant of probate, which varies depending on the value of the estate. The fee schedule can be found on the HM Courts & Tribunals Service website.
The fee for a sealed copy of a grant of probate is currently £10.00 for estates valued under £5,000, £20.00 for estates valued between £5,000 and £50,000, and £30.00 for estates valued over £50,000. The fee must be paid by cheque or postal order made payable to HM Courts & Tribunals Service.
Submit the Forms and Fee
Once you have completed the necessary forms and paid the fee, you will need to submit them to the relevant Probate Registry. You can do this in person or by post.
If you choose to submit the forms in person, you will need to make an appointment at the Probate Registry and bring the completed forms and payment with you. If you choose to submit the forms by post, you should send them to the Probate Registry along with the payment.
It is important to keep a copy of the forms and payment for your records.
Wait for your copy of a grant of probate
Once the Probate Registry has received your application, they will process it and issue a sealed copy of the grant of probate. This can take several weeks, depending on the workload of the registry.
When you receive the sealed copy of the grant of probate, you should check it carefully to ensure that it is accurate and complete. If there are any errors or omissions, you should contact the Probate Registry immediately to request a correction
In some cases, it may also be necessary to apply for a new grant of probate if there are significant errors or omissions in the original grant. This can be a more complex and time-consuming process, so it is best to avoid errors and ensure that the information on the original grant of probate is accurate and complete from the outset.
Conclusion
Reviewing the sealed copy of the grant of probate is an important step in the administration of an estate. Any errors or omissions should be addressed as soon as possible to avoid delays, complications or unexpected tax bills in the process.
Applying for probate can be a complex process contact The Probate Company for FREE probate advice.
Thinking of DIY probate? Why not read our What is Probate Blog
