PA1A: Apply for probate by post if there is not a will
Form PA1A is the paper application to HM Courts and Tribunals Service for letters of administration, the grant that lets you deal with the estate of someone who died without leaving a will.
This is the genuine HMCTS PDF, unmodified. Source: HMCTS official page.
What is PA1A?
When a person dies intestate, meaning without a valid will, there is no executor. PA1A is how a relative entitled under the intestacy rules applies to be appointed administrator of the estate. The grant of letters of administration is the document banks, share registrars and the Land Registry ask to see before assets can be released or transferred.
The form runs to more than twenty pages and covers the deceased's details, the applicants and their relationship to the deceased, the family tree that establishes who has priority to apply, inheritance tax information, and the statement of truth every applicant must sign. Notes throughout the form explain when extra evidence or a separate form is needed, for example where an applicant is acting as an attorney.
Who files PA1A?
- The surviving spouse or civil partner of someone who died without a will
- Children or other relatives entitled to apply under the intestacy rules
- Attorneys applying on behalf of a person entitled to the grant
- Anyone who tried the online probate service but has to apply on paper
How to fill out PA1A
- Work out who has priority to apply under the intestacy rules and gather the death certificate and estate valuations.
- Deal with inheritance tax first if any is due, and allow the waiting period HMRC requires before the probate application is submitted.
- Complete the applicant, deceased and family details, following the notes for each section of the form.
- All applicants sign the statement of truth, and you enclose a cheque or postal order payable to HMCTS for the application fee plus any official copies you want.
- Post the original signed form with the supporting documents and payment to HMCTS Probate, PO Box 12625, Harlow, CM20 9QE.
Quick fill PA1A on this page
Prefer to see the form itself while you type? Open PA1A in the editor to fill it on the actual pages, add a signature, and download.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between PA1A and PA1P?
PA1A is used when the person died without a will and you are applying for letters of administration. PA1P is used when there is a will and you are applying for a grant of probate as an executor, or as a beneficiary where there are no executors.
How much does it cost?
There is an application fee plus a separate fee for each official copy of the grant. Fees change, so check the current probate fees on gov.uk before you send payment, and check whether you qualify for help with fees.
Can I apply online instead?
Many citizen applications can be made through the online probate service, which is usually quicker. The paper PA1A is for cases the online service does not cover or for applicants who prefer to apply by post.