Independent UK Form Assistance

Applying for Probate Yourself? Make Sense of Form PA1P

Dealing with probate after someone dies can be difficult enough. Our plain-English companion walks you through the official paper PA1P form, question by question, so you can understand what is being asked and prepare your application with greater confidence.

Straightforward guidance for people applying for probate in England and Wales when the person who died left a will.

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Based on Official HMCTS Guidance

The PA1P Probate Quick-Fill Companion

A 12-page downloadable PDF explaining the numbered questions on Form PA1P, with simple instructions, fictional examples, important warnings and a final postal checklist.

✓ Question-by-question help
✓ Instant PDF download
✓ Print at home

£6.99

One-off purchase • No subscription

Secure Stripe checkout. Your PDF download link is emailed after confirmed payment.

This is optional independent guidance, not the official probate form or a probate application service. The official PA1P form is free from GOV.UK. HMCTS probate fees, if payable, are separate.

Know What to Write Before You Apply

Follow our guide alongside the official PA1P form. It explains what the questions mean, when particular sections apply and where extra information or professional help may be needed.

✓ Applicant and executor details

Understand who is applying, how to record multiple executors and what happens when a named executor is not applying.

✓ Wills and codicils

Practical explanations of questions about the will, later changes and supporting documents.

✓ Estate values and inheritance tax

Understand which information the probate form requests and when HMRC reporting may be necessary.

✓ Signatures and final checks

Check declarations, documents, application fees and the paperwork needed before posting.

Specifically for the PA1P Paper Application

This companion is designed for people using the PA1P paper application in England and Wales when the deceased left a will. It is not a guide to the online application process.

If there is no will, the usual paper application is PA1A instead. Scotland and Northern Ireland have different procedures. Unusual, disputed or complicated estates may require professional legal or tax advice.

Avoid Missing Important Application Details

Missing signatures, incomplete executor information or missing original documents can delay probate. Use the companion alongside the official PA1P form and current HMCTS instructions to check your paperwork before submitting it.

ITG & Co. is an independent provider of optional form-completion guidance. We are not affiliated with, approved by or endorsed by HMCTS, HMRC or the UK Government. This guide is general information and does not replace personalised legal or tax advice.