Accurate
Country-specific legal content
Drafted with legal expertise for each jurisdiction, far more thorough than AI-generated drafts that copy generic clauses across borders.
Probate & Estate AdministrationUnited Kingdom
Free Form PA1P Probate Application Where the Deceased Left a Will Template
Form PA1P is the United Kingdom probate application filed at the Probate Registry of HM Courts and Tribunals Service where the deceased left a valid will. The current citizen version is dated 01.24 (Crown copyright). Approximately 250,000 Grants of Probate are issued in England and Wales each year. The application fee is £300 for estates over £5,000 (HMCTS 2026/27 flat rate); estates of £5,000 or less pay no fee. Our free United Kingdom template builds a structured PA1P — deceased identification with domicile, will and codicil details, applicant executor, estate valuation summary with IHT category, other executors named in the will, probate fee, and four Expert clauses on executor renunciation under NCP Rules 1987 r.27/r.37, the IHT threshold matrix 2026/27, foreign domicile and international estates, and caveat defence under NCP Rules r.44 with Re K caselaw.
Free to useInstant PDFNo account required
PDF (free) + editable Word (.docx) with Expert
Form PA1P — Probate Application Where the Deceased Left a Will
Probate Registry Of HM Courts And Tribunals Service · Estate Of Margaret Eleanor Whitlock · 22 June 2026
TO: The Probate Registry of HM Courts and Tribunals Service
BY: Helena Margaret Wexford-Whitlock — applying as child of the deceased, being one of the executors named in the will of the deceased (the position of the other executors — applying jointly, power reserved or renounced — is set out in Section B).
RE: Application for a Grant of Probate in the estate of Margaret Eleanor Whitlock, deceased.
Filed under the Non-Contentious Probate Rules 1987 (SI 1987/2024) and the Administration of Estates Act 1925. The deceased was domiciled in England and Wales — the Probate Registry of HM Courts and Tribunals Service has jurisdiction to make a Grant of Probate.
BY: Helena Margaret Wexford-Whitlock — applying as child of the deceased, being one of the executors named in the will of the deceased (the position of the other executors — applying jointly, power reserved or renounced — is set out in Section B).
RE: Application for a Grant of Probate in the estate of Margaret Eleanor Whitlock, deceased.
Filed under the Non-Contentious Probate Rules 1987 (SI 1987/2024) and the Administration of Estates Act 1925. The deceased was domiciled in England and Wales — the Probate Registry of HM Courts and Tribunals Service has jurisdiction to make a Grant of Probate.
1. DECEASED IDENTIFICATION
| FULL NAME | Margaret Eleanor Whitlock |
| DATE OF BIRTH | 21 July 1938 |
| DATE OF DEATH | 8 April 2026 |
| LAST ADDRESS | The Old Vicarage, 14 Church Lane, Much Wenlock, Shropshire TF13 6BU |
| DOMICILE | England and Wales |
2. WILL AND CODICILS
| DATE OF WILL | 13 November 2019 |
| CODICILS | One codicil |
| CODICIL DATES | 8 March 2023 (first codicil — addition of two pecuniary legacies, GBP 5,000 each, to the deceased's grandchildren born after the original will) |
3. APPLICANT EXECUTOR
| FULL NAME | Helena Margaret Wexford-Whitlock |
| ADDRESS | 46 Linden Avenue, Kenilworth, Warwickshire CV8 1NP |
| RELATIONSHIP TO DECEASED | Child of the deceased |
| ROLE | one of the executors named in the will of the deceased |
| helena.wexford@bloomsbury-law.co.uk | |
| TELEPHONE | 01926 854 217 |
4. ESTATE VALUATION SUMMARY
| GROSS ESTATE VALUE (GBP) | GBP 1,485,000 |
| NET ESTATE VALUE (GBP, AFTER DEBTS) | GBP 1,418,500 |
| IHT CATEGORY | an estate requiring a full IHT400 Inheritance Tax account |
5. OTHER EXECUTORS NAMED IN THE WILL
| OTHER EXECUTORS NAMED IN THE WILL | Two other executors named in the will |
| OTHER EXECUTOR 1 — NAME | Edmund James Whitlock |
| OTHER EXECUTOR 1 — POSITION | son of the deceased — applying jointly with the Applicant |
| OTHER EXECUTOR 2 — NAME | Patricia Anne Cresswell-Hartington |
| OTHER EXECUTOR 2 — POSITION | professional executor (solicitor at Cresswell Hartington LLP) — power reserved (Form PA16 lodged) |
6. PROBATE APPLICATION FEE AND SEALED COPIES.
Application fee: GBP 300 probate application fee — the gross estate is over GBP 5,000 (HMCTS 2026/27 flat rate).
Additional sealed office copies required: 12 copies at GBP 1.50 each (HMCTS 2026/27 published rate) for service on banks, share registrars, the Land Registry, HMRC and other third parties as the estate is collected in.
Application fee: GBP 300 probate application fee — the gross estate is over GBP 5,000 (HMCTS 2026/27 flat rate).
Additional sealed office copies required: 12 copies at GBP 1.50 each (HMCTS 2026/27 published rate) for service on banks, share registrars, the Land Registry, HMRC and other third parties as the estate is collected in.
7. EXECUTOR RENUNCIATION + POWER RESERVED ALTERNATIVE — NCP RULES 1987 r.37 + r.27. The Non-Contentious Probate Rules 1987 (SI 1987/2024) provide two routes by which an executor named in a will may step out of acting: (i) renunciation under rule 37 (Form PA15) — a permanent and final relinquishment of the right to act; or (ii) power reserved under rule 27 (Form PA16) — a postponement of the right to apply, while another executor proves the will. Renunciation can only be retracted with the leave of a registrar in exceptional circumstances (NCP Rules r.37(3)). The renouncing executor must not have "intermeddled" in the estate — taken acts inconsistent with the renunciation (In re Cole [1964] Ch 175): contacting banks, paying debts, distributing assets, collecting estate property, or representing themselves as executor. Power reserved executors can later apply for a Grant of Double Probate if the proving executor dies or otherwise ceases to act.
Renouncing executor: Patricia Anne Cresswell-Hartington.
Renunciation route: Form PA16 power reserved — the executor postpones the right to apply for the grant under Non-Contentious Probate Rules 1987 rule 27 while another executor proceeds; the power reserved executor can apply for a later grant of double probate if the proving executor dies or otherwise ceases to act.
Renunciation narrative:
Mrs Patricia Anne Cresswell-Hartington, a solicitor at Cresswell Hartington LLP (the firm that drafted the deceased's will in November 2019), has elected to have power reserved under Non-Contentious Probate Rules 1987 r.27 and has lodged Form PA16. The professional executor was named in the deceased's will of 13 November 2019 as a safety-valve in the event that family executors were unable or unwilling to act. The two family executors (Helena Wexford-Whitlock and Edmund James Whitlock) are both willing and able to prove the will, and the professional executor (with the clients' agreement) has elected to step back under power reserved rather than incur professional fees on the family estate. The power reserved is preserved should both family executors die or otherwise cease to act before the administration is complete, in which case a Grant of Double Probate would be sought. No intermeddling by the professional executor has occurred — Mrs Cresswell-Hartington has acted only in her capacity as drafting solicitor and has had no involvement in collecting in assets or paying debts since the deceased's death on 8 April 2026.
Renouncing executor: Patricia Anne Cresswell-Hartington.
Renunciation route: Form PA16 power reserved — the executor postpones the right to apply for the grant under Non-Contentious Probate Rules 1987 rule 27 while another executor proceeds; the power reserved executor can apply for a later grant of double probate if the proving executor dies or otherwise ceases to act.
Renunciation narrative:
Mrs Patricia Anne Cresswell-Hartington, a solicitor at Cresswell Hartington LLP (the firm that drafted the deceased's will in November 2019), has elected to have power reserved under Non-Contentious Probate Rules 1987 r.27 and has lodged Form PA16. The professional executor was named in the deceased's will of 13 November 2019 as a safety-valve in the event that family executors were unable or unwilling to act. The two family executors (Helena Wexford-Whitlock and Edmund James Whitlock) are both willing and able to prove the will, and the professional executor (with the clients' agreement) has elected to step back under power reserved rather than incur professional fees on the family estate. The power reserved is preserved should both family executors die or otherwise cease to act before the administration is complete, in which case a Grant of Double Probate would be sought. No intermeddling by the professional executor has occurred — Mrs Cresswell-Hartington has acted only in her capacity as drafting solicitor and has had no involvement in collecting in assets or paying debts since the deceased's death on 8 April 2026.
8. IHT THRESHOLD CHECK + IHT400 LINKAGE — IHTA 1984. The Inheritance Tax framework for 2026/27 (frozen until April 2031 per the November 2025 Budget) provides:
(a) Nil Rate Band (NRB) — GBP 325,000 per person under IHTA 1984 s.7.
(b) Residence Nil Rate Band (RNRB) — GBP 175,000 under IHTA 1984 s.8D-8M, available where a qualifying residential interest is closely inherited by direct descendants (children, grandchildren, step-children, adopted, or descendants of the same).
(c) RNRB Taper — the RNRB is reduced by GBP 1 for every GBP 2 by which the estate exceeds GBP 2,000,000.
(d) Downsizing Allowance — IHTA 1984 s.8FA — preserves RNRB on a former qualifying residence sold or downsized before death, subject to conditions.
(e) Transferable Nil Rate Band (TNRB) — IHTA 1984 s.8A — unused NRB from a predeceased spouse / civil partner transfers to the surviving spouse / CP, claimed via Form IHT402 on the deceased's IHT400.
(f) Standard rate — 40% on the estate above the available NRB / RNRB; 36% where at least 10% of the net estate is left to a qualifying charity.
(g) Spouse / CP exemption — gifts between UK-domiciled spouses / civil partners are entirely exempt from IHT.
Deceased's NRB used: GBP 325,000.
RNRB qualifying: YES — the deceased qualifies for the Residence Nil Rate Band of GBP 175,000 (2026/27): a qualifying residential interest is being closely inherited by direct descendants (children, grandchildren, step-children, adopted children or descendants of the same).
TNRB claimed: YES — the Transferable Nil Rate Band is claimed under IHTA 1984 s.8A; the first spouse / civil partner predeceased the deceased; documentary evidence (death certificate; probate / estate documents of the first spouse; evidence of unused NRB) is in the IHT400 / PA1P application.
First spouse / CP date of death: 14 September 2008 — TNRB documentary evidence per In Re Smith [2017] EWHC 2071 (Ch).
IHT400 full account required: YES — a full IHT400 Inheritance Tax account is required; the IHT400 (with relevant schedules including IHT402 if TNRB is claimed and IHT435 / IHT436 if RNRB is claimed) is filed with HMRC; the IHT421 probate summary is filed with the Probate Registry once HMRC issues the IHT clearance.
IHT narrative:
The gross estate is GBP 1,485,000; the net estate after debts and funeral costs is GBP 1,418,500. The Inheritance Tax position is as follows: (a) NRB GBP 325,000 (2026/27 — frozen under the November 2025 Reeves Budget until April 2031). (b) RNRB GBP 175,000 — the deceased owned the Old Vicarage as her sole main residence, valued at GBP 980,000 net of mortgage, and the residence is being closely inherited by her two children (the Applicant and Edmund) in equal shares under the will. (c) TNRB — the deceased's late husband Reginald Charles Whitlock died on 14 September 2008; his entire NRB was unused (his estate passed to the deceased under the spouse exemption); the TNRB of GBP 325,000 is being claimed via Form IHT402 with full documentary evidence (death certificate, Grant of Probate dated 2 December 2008, IHT205 filed at the time confirming no NRB used). (d) Transferable RNRB — Reginald died before the RNRB regime came into force on 6 April 2017, but the transferable RNRB regime is retrospective and a full transferable RNRB of GBP 175,000 (2026/27) is claimed via Form IHT436. (e) Total available threshold: GBP 325,000 NRB + GBP 325,000 TNRB + GBP 175,000 RNRB + GBP 175,000 transferable RNRB = GBP 1,000,000. (f) IHT due: 40% × (GBP 1,418,500 − GBP 1,000,000) = GBP 167,400. (g) The IHT400 has been filed with HMRC (May 2026); the IHT421 probate summary will be lodged with the Probate Registry once HMRC issues the IHT clearance (anticipated June-July 2026).
(a) Nil Rate Band (NRB) — GBP 325,000 per person under IHTA 1984 s.7.
(b) Residence Nil Rate Band (RNRB) — GBP 175,000 under IHTA 1984 s.8D-8M, available where a qualifying residential interest is closely inherited by direct descendants (children, grandchildren, step-children, adopted, or descendants of the same).
(c) RNRB Taper — the RNRB is reduced by GBP 1 for every GBP 2 by which the estate exceeds GBP 2,000,000.
(d) Downsizing Allowance — IHTA 1984 s.8FA — preserves RNRB on a former qualifying residence sold or downsized before death, subject to conditions.
(e) Transferable Nil Rate Band (TNRB) — IHTA 1984 s.8A — unused NRB from a predeceased spouse / civil partner transfers to the surviving spouse / CP, claimed via Form IHT402 on the deceased's IHT400.
(f) Standard rate — 40% on the estate above the available NRB / RNRB; 36% where at least 10% of the net estate is left to a qualifying charity.
(g) Spouse / CP exemption — gifts between UK-domiciled spouses / civil partners are entirely exempt from IHT.
Deceased's NRB used: GBP 325,000.
RNRB qualifying: YES — the deceased qualifies for the Residence Nil Rate Band of GBP 175,000 (2026/27): a qualifying residential interest is being closely inherited by direct descendants (children, grandchildren, step-children, adopted children or descendants of the same).
TNRB claimed: YES — the Transferable Nil Rate Band is claimed under IHTA 1984 s.8A; the first spouse / civil partner predeceased the deceased; documentary evidence (death certificate; probate / estate documents of the first spouse; evidence of unused NRB) is in the IHT400 / PA1P application.
First spouse / CP date of death: 14 September 2008 — TNRB documentary evidence per In Re Smith [2017] EWHC 2071 (Ch).
IHT400 full account required: YES — a full IHT400 Inheritance Tax account is required; the IHT400 (with relevant schedules including IHT402 if TNRB is claimed and IHT435 / IHT436 if RNRB is claimed) is filed with HMRC; the IHT421 probate summary is filed with the Probate Registry once HMRC issues the IHT clearance.
IHT narrative:
The gross estate is GBP 1,485,000; the net estate after debts and funeral costs is GBP 1,418,500. The Inheritance Tax position is as follows: (a) NRB GBP 325,000 (2026/27 — frozen under the November 2025 Reeves Budget until April 2031). (b) RNRB GBP 175,000 — the deceased owned the Old Vicarage as her sole main residence, valued at GBP 980,000 net of mortgage, and the residence is being closely inherited by her two children (the Applicant and Edmund) in equal shares under the will. (c) TNRB — the deceased's late husband Reginald Charles Whitlock died on 14 September 2008; his entire NRB was unused (his estate passed to the deceased under the spouse exemption); the TNRB of GBP 325,000 is being claimed via Form IHT402 with full documentary evidence (death certificate, Grant of Probate dated 2 December 2008, IHT205 filed at the time confirming no NRB used). (d) Transferable RNRB — Reginald died before the RNRB regime came into force on 6 April 2017, but the transferable RNRB regime is retrospective and a full transferable RNRB of GBP 175,000 (2026/27) is claimed via Form IHT436. (e) Total available threshold: GBP 325,000 NRB + GBP 325,000 TNRB + GBP 175,000 RNRB + GBP 175,000 transferable RNRB = GBP 1,000,000. (f) IHT due: 40% × (GBP 1,418,500 − GBP 1,000,000) = GBP 167,400. (g) The IHT400 has been filed with HMRC (May 2026); the IHT421 probate summary will be lodged with the Probate Registry once HMRC issues the IHT clearance (anticipated June-July 2026).
10. CAVEAT DEFENCE + WILL VALIDITY — NCP RULES 1987 r.44 + WILLS ACT 1837. A caveat lodged at the Probate Registry under Non-Contentious Probate Rules 1987 r.44 by an interested party prevents the issue of a Grant of Probate (or Letters of Administration) for six months; the caveator may issue a warning to the executor who then has the option of issuing an appearance to defend or seeking removal of the caveat. The Court of Appeal in Re K (Deceased) [2018] EWHC 1083 (Ch) addressed the scope of caveats under r.44 and challenges to executor competence. Caveats typically attack one of three things: (a) the formal validity of the will under Wills Act 1837 s.9 (two attesting witnesses present at the same time), with related provisions on revocation by marriage / civil partnership under Wills Act 1837 s.18A and predeceased issue substitution under Wills Act 1837 s.33; (b) the testator's testamentary capacity (Banks v Goodfellow [1870] LR 5 QB 549 test — soundness of mind, memory and understanding); or (c) the executor's entitlement to act under Senior Courts Act 1981 s.116 (court power to pass over an executor where special circumstances make it necessary or expedient).
Caveat status: EXPECTED — the executor is aware that a caveat may be lodged by an interested party (typically a family member challenging the will's validity or the executor's entitlement); the executor proceeds with the application but the Probate Registry will be alert to a caveat being lodged.
Will validity concerns identified:
The applicant is aware that the deceased's third child Robert Charles Whitlock (excluded from the residue under the will of 13 November 2019 in favour of the Applicant and Edmund) has indicated to the family that he may lodge a caveat under Non-Contentious Probate Rules 1987 r.44. Robert's position is that the deceased may have lacked testamentary capacity when she executed the 2023 codicil (he asserts that the deceased's GP records show early-stage dementia from late 2022, although the family's position is that any cognitive impairment was minor and did not affect the deceased's testamentary capacity in March 2023). The contemporaneous solicitor file note from Cresswell Hartington LLP dated 8 March 2023 records the deceased as "fully alert, properly understanding the purpose and contents of the codicil, and answering questions in detail". The drafting solicitor (Mrs Cresswell-Hartington) also obtained a contemporaneous medical opinion from the deceased's GP (Dr Sarah Pemberton, Much Wenlock Surgery) confirming capacity for the limited purpose of adding two pecuniary legacies to the will.
Caveat defence narrative:
In the event Robert lodges a caveat, the executor's defence rests on three pillars. (i) <strong>Formal validity</strong> — both the 13 November 2019 will and the 8 March 2023 codicil comply with Wills Act 1837 s.9 (two witnesses present at the same time, both signed in the testator's presence); the attesting witnesses are Mrs Cresswell-Hartington and her then-trainee Mr Daniel Pearce-Robinson, both employees of Cresswell Hartington LLP, and both willing to provide affidavits of due execution. (ii) <strong>Testamentary capacity</strong> — the Banks v Goodfellow [1870] LR 5 QB 549 test (soundness of mind, memory and understanding; appreciation of property; appreciation of moral claims) is satisfied; contemporaneous solicitor file note + contemporaneous GP letter; no other medical evidence suggesting incapacity at the date of execution. (iii) <strong>Knowledge and approval</strong> — the deceased read the codicil aloud at the meeting on 8 March 2023, asked questions, and signed in the presence of both witnesses. The executor will issue an appearance to defend any caveat warning and, if a substantive caveat is filed, will seek directions from the Probate Registry under <em>Re K (Deceased)</em> [2018] EWHC 1083 (Ch).
Caveat status: EXPECTED — the executor is aware that a caveat may be lodged by an interested party (typically a family member challenging the will's validity or the executor's entitlement); the executor proceeds with the application but the Probate Registry will be alert to a caveat being lodged.
Will validity concerns identified:
The applicant is aware that the deceased's third child Robert Charles Whitlock (excluded from the residue under the will of 13 November 2019 in favour of the Applicant and Edmund) has indicated to the family that he may lodge a caveat under Non-Contentious Probate Rules 1987 r.44. Robert's position is that the deceased may have lacked testamentary capacity when she executed the 2023 codicil (he asserts that the deceased's GP records show early-stage dementia from late 2022, although the family's position is that any cognitive impairment was minor and did not affect the deceased's testamentary capacity in March 2023). The contemporaneous solicitor file note from Cresswell Hartington LLP dated 8 March 2023 records the deceased as "fully alert, properly understanding the purpose and contents of the codicil, and answering questions in detail". The drafting solicitor (Mrs Cresswell-Hartington) also obtained a contemporaneous medical opinion from the deceased's GP (Dr Sarah Pemberton, Much Wenlock Surgery) confirming capacity for the limited purpose of adding two pecuniary legacies to the will.
Caveat defence narrative:
In the event Robert lodges a caveat, the executor's defence rests on three pillars. (i) <strong>Formal validity</strong> — both the 13 November 2019 will and the 8 March 2023 codicil comply with Wills Act 1837 s.9 (two witnesses present at the same time, both signed in the testator's presence); the attesting witnesses are Mrs Cresswell-Hartington and her then-trainee Mr Daniel Pearce-Robinson, both employees of Cresswell Hartington LLP, and both willing to provide affidavits of due execution. (ii) <strong>Testamentary capacity</strong> — the Banks v Goodfellow [1870] LR 5 QB 549 test (soundness of mind, memory and understanding; appreciation of property; appreciation of moral claims) is satisfied; contemporaneous solicitor file note + contemporaneous GP letter; no other medical evidence suggesting incapacity at the date of execution. (iii) <strong>Knowledge and approval</strong> — the deceased read the codicil aloud at the meeting on 8 March 2023, asked questions, and signed in the presence of both witnesses. The executor will issue an appearance to defend any caveat warning and, if a substantive caveat is filed, will seek directions from the Probate Registry under <em>Re K (Deceased)</em> [2018] EWHC 1083 (Ch).
11. STATEMENT OF TRUTH. The applicant, Helena Margaret Wexford-Whitlock, believes that the facts stated in this Form PA1P, in the Inheritance Tax figures, and in any supporting documents are true to the best of the applicant's knowledge and belief. The applicant understands that proceedings for contempt of court or for an offence under section 5 of the Perjury Act 1911 may be brought against any person who makes, or causes to be made, a false statement in a document verified by a statement of truth. The applicant undertakes to collect in the assets of the deceased, to pay the debts and any Inheritance Tax due, and to distribute the residue in accordance with the will, faithfully and lawfully — Administration of Estates Act 1925 ss.21-43.
The applicant confirms this statement of truth and signs below.
The applicant confirms this statement of truth and signs below.
APPLICANT EXECUTOR
Helena Margaret Wexford-Whitlock
Applicant Executor — 22 June 2026
Date: ____________________
Available as a print-ready PDF or an editable Microsoft Word (.docx) file.
What Is Form PA1P?
Form PA1P is the United Kingdom probate application filed at the Probate Registry of HM Courts and Tribunals Service where the deceased left a valid will. It is used by the named executor(s) to apply for a Grant of Probate — the court order that authorises the executor to administer the deceased's estate (collect in the assets, pay the debts and any Inheritance Tax, and distribute the residue in accordance with the will). The current citizen-route version is dated 01.24 (Crown copyright 2024); a separate practitioner-route version with additional identification fields is in circulation for solicitors and trust corporations. Where the deceased left no valid will (intestacy), Form PA1A (Letters of Administration) is used instead.
The application is governed by the Non-Contentious Probate Rules 1987 (SI 1987/2024), the Administration of Estates Act 1925 ss.21-43 (executor powers and duties), the Wills Act 1837 (formal validity of wills), the Senior Courts Act 1981 s.116 (court power to pass over an executor), and the Inheritance Tax Act 1984 (IHT framework). The Probate Registry checks the formal validity of the will, the executor's entitlement under NCP Rules r.20 (order of priority for grants), and any caveat or claim lodged against the grant under NCP Rules r.44. Where the IHT category is "excepted estate" within the meaning of the Inheritance Tax (Delivery of Accounts) (Excepted Estates) Regulations 2004, no IHT400 account is required; otherwise the full IHT400 Inheritance Tax account is filed with HMRC and the IHT421 probate summary follows.
The 2026/27 Inheritance Tax framework (frozen until April 2031 per the November 2025 Reeves Budget) provides: Nil Rate Band (NRB) £325,000 per person; Residence Nil Rate Band (RNRB) £175,000 where a qualifying residential interest is closely inherited by direct descendants; RNRB taper (£1 reduction per £2 over £2,000,000 estate); Downsizing Allowance under IHTA 1984 s.8FA for downsized former residences; Transferable Nil Rate Band (TNRB) under s.8A for unused NRB from a predeceased spouse / civil partner; standard rate 40% (reduced to 36% where at least 10% of the net estate is left to a qualifying charity). A combined-couple maximum of up to £1,000,000 is achievable with full TNRB + transferable RNRB.
What's Covered in This Template
Our United Kingdom Form PA1P template builds a structured probate application the Probate Registry can issue — deceased identification with domicile, will and codicil details, applicant executor, estate valuation, IHT category, other executors named in the will, probate fee, and four Expert clauses on renunciation, IHT thresholds, foreign domicile and caveat defence.
PA1P vs PA1A Disambiguation
PA1P is for estates where the deceased left a valid will (Grant of Probate sought). PA1A is for intestate estates (Letters of Administration sought). Doxuno has separate templates for each — pick PA1P where there is a will and the named executor is applying.
Deceased Identification with Domicile
Captures the deceased's full name, date of birth, date of death, last address, and domicile (England and Wales / Scotland / Northern Ireland / foreign). Domicile is a critical concept for both jurisdiction (which court has authority) and IHT scope (worldwide vs UK-situs assets).
Will + Codicils + Up to 4 Other Executors
Will date, codicil count and dates (where applicable), and the applicant's executor role (sole executor or one of several). Up to four other executors named in the will can be captured with their position — applying jointly, power reserved (PA16) or renounced (PA15).
Estate Valuation + IHT Category
Gross estate value (before debts) and net estate value (after debts and funeral costs). Three IHT category options — excepted estate (no IHT400), IHT400 full account required, or pending professional assessment. The category drives the timing of the probate application.
Probate Fee + Sealed Office Copies
GBP 300 application fee for estates over GBP 5,000 (HMCTS 2026/27 flat rate); no fee for estates of GBP 5,000 or less. Sealed office copies of the grant are GBP 1.50 each — typical estates need 6-15 copies for banks, share registrars, insurers, the Land Registry and HMRC.
Renunciation + Power Reserved (Expert)
Expert clause structures the two routes for an executor to step out — renunciation under NCP Rules 1987 r.37 (Form PA15, permanent) or power reserved under r.27 (Form PA16, postponed). The renouncing executor must NOT have "intermeddled" in the estate — In re Cole [1964] Ch 175.
IHT Threshold Check 2026/27 (Expert)
Expert clause structures the six IHT levers: NRB GBP 325,000; RNRB GBP 175,000 (s.8D-8M); RNRB taper (GBP 1 lost per GBP 2 over GBP 2m); Downsizing Allowance (s.8FA); TNRB (s.8A — predeceased spouse); standard rate 40% (36% with 10%+ charity). Combined spouse maximum up to GBP 1,000,000.
IHT400 Linkage (Expert)
Expert clause covers the IHT400 filing strategy where required — IHT400 with schedules (including IHT402 for TNRB and IHT435/IHT436 for RNRB), filed with HMRC; IHT421 probate summary filed with the Probate Registry once HMRC issues IHT clearance.
Foreign Domicile + IHTA s.267 (Expert)
Expert clause structures the foreign domicile analysis — IHTA 1984 s.267 deemed-UK domicile (15 of last 20 tax years OR 3 years before death), Brussels IV (Regulation 650/2012) election in will, foreign-situs assets and conflict-of-laws routing.
NCP Rules r.44 Caveat Defence (Expert)
Expert clause structures the caveat defence under NCP Rules 1987 r.44 — three caveat targets (formal validity under Wills Act 1837 s.9; testamentary capacity under Banks v Goodfellow [1870] LR 5 QB 549; executor entitlement under Senior Courts Act 1981 s.116). Re K (Deceased) [2018] EWHC 1083 (Ch) caselaw.
Re K + In Re Smith + Banks v Goodfellow Caselaw Chain
Three leading authorities cited: Re K (Deceased) [2018] EWHC 1083 (Ch) on r.44 caveats and executor competence; In Re Smith [2017] EWHC 2071 (Ch) on TNRB documentary evidence; Banks v Goodfellow [1870] LR 5 QB 549 on testamentary capacity (soundness of mind, memory and understanding; appreciation of property; appreciation of moral claims).
Single Signer — Applicant Executor, Statement of Truth
Form PA1P is signed by the applicant executor under the statement of truth. The executor undertakes to collect in the assets, pay the debts and any Inheritance Tax due, and distribute the residue in accordance with the will, faithfully and lawfully — Administration of Estates Act 1925 ss.21-43.
How to Complete Form PA1P
Follow these steps to produce a well-structured United Kingdom Form PA1P probate application for a Grant of Probate at the Probate Registry of HMCTS where the deceased left a valid will.
- 1
Confirm PA1P is the right form (vs PA1A)
PA1P is for estates where the deceased left a valid will and the named executor is applying for a Grant of Probate. PA1A is for intestate estates where there is no valid will and the next-of-kin applies for Letters of Administration. Where the will is partial (only some assets covered), a partial intestacy arises and PA1A may still be needed for the intestate portion.
- 2
Identify the deceased and confirm domicile
Full name, date of birth, date of death and last address. Domicile drives both jurisdiction (which court has authority) and IHT scope (worldwide for UK-domiciled; UK-situs only for non-UK domiciled, subject to IHTA 1984 s.267 deemed-domicile rules). Most people are domiciled where they were born or where their parents were domiciled at their birth.
- 3
Locate and date the will + any codicils
The original will (and any codicils) must be lodged with the application. Confirm the will date and any codicil dates. Codicils typically add or amend a small number of provisions — confirm the formal execution complies with Wills Act 1837 s.9 (two witnesses present at the same time, both signed in the testator's presence).
- 4
Identify the applicant executor and other executors
The applicant is the executor named in the will applying for the grant. Note the applicant's relationship to the deceased (spouse / child / parent / sibling / other / professional). If there are other executors named in the will, capture their names and positions — applying jointly, power reserved (PA16) or renounced (PA15).
- 5
Value the gross and net estate
Gross estate = all assets before debts. Net estate = gross minus debts (mortgage, credit cards, loans) and funeral costs. Property valuations should be at the date of death (probate value). Most assets need a documentary valuation — Land Registry valuation, share registrar statements, bank account balances at DOD, insurance policy values.
- 6
Determine the IHT category
Three options — excepted estate (small or qualifying low-value estates within the Inheritance Tax (Delivery of Accounts) (Excepted Estates) Regulations 2004; no IHT400 required); full IHT400 account (filed with HMRC; IHT421 probate summary follows once HMRC issues clearance); or pending professional assessment. Take professional advice if unsure.
- 7
Calculate the probate fee
GBP 300 for estates over GBP 5,000 (HMCTS 2026/27 flat rate); no fee for estates of GBP 5,000 or less. Form EX160 (Help with Fees) is available for hardship cases — the Probate Registry assesses eligibility against published thresholds.
- 8
Order sealed office copies
Sealed copies of the grant are GBP 1.50 each. Order one for each bank, share registrar, insurance company, Land Registry application and HMRC interaction. Typical estates need 6-15 copies. The Probate Registry issues all copies together with the original grant.
- 9
Add the renunciation / power reserved clause (Expert)
Where another named executor is renouncing (Form PA15 under NCP Rules r.37) or has power reserved (Form PA16 under r.27), the Expert clause captures the route and the narrative. Confirm the renouncing executor has not "intermeddled" — In re Cole [1964] Ch 175.
- 10
Add the IHT threshold check (Expert)
Expert clause structures the six IHT levers — NRB, RNRB, RNRB taper, Downsizing, TNRB, charity rate. Where TNRB is claimed, gather the documentary evidence (death certificate, probate / estate documents of the first spouse, evidence of unused NRB) per In Re Smith [2017] EWHC 2071 (Ch).
- 11
Address foreign domicile (Expert) if relevant
Where the deceased had foreign connections, the Expert clause captures IHTA 1984 s.267 deemed-UK domicile, any Brussels IV (Regulation 650/2012) election in the will, foreign-situs assets and conflict-of-laws routing. UK IHT applies to the worldwide estate for UK-domiciled or deemed-UK-domiciled deceased.
- 12
Add the caveat defence (Expert) if relevant
Where a caveat has been lodged under NCP Rules r.44 or is expected, the Expert clause structures the three defence pillars — formal validity (Wills Act 1837 s.9), testamentary capacity (Banks v Goodfellow), executor entitlement (Senior Courts Act 1981 s.116). Re K (Deceased) [2018] EWHC 1083 (Ch) on r.44 and executor competence.
- 13
Sign the statement of truth and file at the Probate Registry
The applicant executor signs the statement of truth confirming the facts in the PA1P and supporting IHT figures are true. File via the GOV.UK probate service (preferred) or by post to the Probate Registry. Processing typically takes 16 weeks for digital applications; the grant + sealed copies are then issued by post.
Why Doxuno documents are different
Four things that make our templates more thorough than AI-generated drafts and more current than static template libraries.
Always current
Always current with the law
Templates carrying statute references are continuously updated as the law changes. Your document always reflects the current legal framework.
Free PDF
Print-ready PDF
Free to download. Vector text, embedded fonts, statute citations baked in. Print, sign, file. Ready for any signing flow including electronic signature.
Word · .docx
Editable Word (.docx)
Continue editing in Word after download. Add custom clauses, reuse the template for similar agreements, or share with a colleague for collaborative review.
Requires Expert one-time unlock or any paid Doxuno subscription.
Legal Considerations — Form PA1P Grant of Probate
Probate applications in England and Wales are governed by the Non-Contentious Probate Rules 1987 (SI 1987/2024), the Administration of Estates Act 1925, the Wills Act 1837, the Senior Courts Act 1981, and the Inheritance Tax Act 1984. Scotland has separate procedures (Confirmation at the Sheriff Court under the Confirmation of Executors (Scotland) Act 1858); Northern Ireland has Probate at the Royal Courts of Justice in Belfast under the Administration of Estates Act (Northern Ireland) 1955.
This template is for general information and does not constitute legal advice. Probate applications involve substantive law on will validity, IHT, capital gains tax, estate administration and trusts — a solicitor specialising in private client or probate is recommended for any estate over the IHT threshold, any contested matter, or any estate with foreign assets. Age UK, Citizens Advice and the Probate Helpline (0300 303 0648) provide free guidance on the basic process; the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) maintains a directory of qualified practitioners.
Reviewed for the United Kingdom (England and Wales)
Statutory Framework — NCP Rules 1987 + AEA 1925
Probate applications are governed by the Non-Contentious Probate Rules 1987 (SI 1987/2024). Rule 20 sets the order of priority for grants — executors named in the will first. Rule 27 covers power reserved arrangements (Form PA16). Rule 37 covers renunciation (Form PA15). Rule 44 covers caveats lodged by interested parties. The Administration of Estates Act 1925 ss.21-43 set out the executor's powers and duties — collecting in assets, paying debts and IHT, distributing the residue in accordance with the will. The executor's duty is to act faithfully and lawfully; breach of trust gives rise to personal liability to the beneficiaries.
Will Validity — Wills Act 1837
The Wills Act 1837 sets out the formal requirements for a valid will. Section 9 requires that the will is (a) in writing; (b) signed by the testator (or by another person at the testator's direction and in their presence); (c) the signature is made or acknowledged in the presence of two witnesses present at the same time; and (d) each witness either attests and signs the will or acknowledges their signature, in the testator's presence. Section 18A provides that a will is revoked by marriage or civil partnership (subject to limited exceptions). Section 33 provides for substitution where a beneficiary predeceases the testator leaving issue. Testamentary capacity is governed by the common-law test in Banks v Goodfellow [1870] LR 5 QB 549 — soundness of mind, memory and understanding; appreciation of the property to be disposed of; appreciation of the moral claims to which the testator ought to give effect.
Inheritance Tax 2026/27 — IHTA 1984
The Inheritance Tax Act 1984 sets out the IHT framework. The 2026/27 thresholds (frozen until April 2031 per the November 2025 Reeves Budget): Nil Rate Band GBP 325,000 (IHTA s.7); Residence Nil Rate Band GBP 175,000 (IHTA s.8D-8M, qualifying home closely inherited by direct descendants); RNRB taper (GBP 1 reduction per GBP 2 over GBP 2,000,000 estate); Downsizing Allowance (s.8FA, preserved RNRB on downsized former residence); Transferable Nil Rate Band (s.8A, unused NRB from predeceased spouse transfers); standard rate 40% (36% where 10%+ of net estate to qualifying charity); spouse / civil partner exemption for inter-spouse gifts. Combined-couple maximum up to GBP 1,000,000.
NCP Rules r.37 + r.27 — Executor Step-Out
An executor named in a will may step out of acting via one of two routes. NCP Rules 1987 r.37 covers renunciation (Form PA15) — a permanent and final relinquishment of the right to act; only retractable with the leave of a registrar in exceptional circumstances (r.37(3)); the renouncing executor must NOT have "intermeddled" in the estate (In re Cole [1964] Ch 175 — acts inconsistent with renunciation including contacting banks, paying debts, distributing assets). NCP Rules 1987 r.27 covers power reserved (Form PA16) — a postponement of the right to apply for the grant while another executor proves the will; the power reserved executor can later apply for a Grant of Double Probate if the proving executor dies or otherwise ceases to act.
NCP Rules r.44 — Caveats
A caveat lodged at the Probate Registry under Non-Contentious Probate Rules 1987 r.44 by an interested party prevents the issue of a grant for six months from the date of lodging (extendable by further six months on application). The caveator may issue a warning to the executor; the executor has 8 days to issue an appearance to defend the caveat. If no appearance is entered, the caveat is removed and the grant can issue. If an appearance is entered, the caveat continues and the matter proceeds as a substantive challenge. The Court of Appeal in Re K (Deceased) [2018] EWHC 1083 (Ch) addressed the scope of r.44 caveats and challenges to executor competence; the court emphasised that caveats should not be used as a delaying tactic.
Senior Courts Act 1981 s.116 — Passing Over an Executor
Section 116 of the Senior Courts Act 1981 empowers the High Court to pass over a person entitled to a grant where it appears necessary or expedient by reason of any special circumstances. The court may appoint an alternative person (typically a trust corporation or independent solicitor) to act as administrator. Special circumstances have been held to include incompetence, mental incapacity, conflict of interest, criminal conviction, geographical absence and refusal to act. The application is typically made under NCP Rules r.27(5) at the same time as the substantive PA1P / PA1A.
Frequently Asked Questions
Build Your Form PA1P Probate Application
Produce a clear United Kingdom Form PA1P probate application the Probate Registry of HMCTS can issue — deceased identification with domicile, will and codicil details, applicant executor and up to four other executors, estate valuation summary with IHT category, GBP 300 probate fee and sealed copies, and four Expert clauses on executor renunciation / power reserved under NCP Rules 1987 r.27/r.37, the 2026/27 IHT threshold matrix (NRB GBP 325,000 + RNRB GBP 175,000 + downsizing + TNRB up to GBP 1m combined), foreign domicile under IHTA 1984 s.267 with Brussels IV election, and caveat defence under NCP Rules r.44 with Re K [2018] EWHC 1083 (Ch) caselaw. Filed at the Probate Registry of HM Courts and Tribunals Service.
Free PDF · Editable Word with Expert · No account required