What is a grant of probate?
A grant of probate is the official court document that confirms an executor's authority to deal with a deceased person's estate — collecting in assets, paying debts and distributing to beneficiaries. It is issued to the executors named in a valid will. Where there is no will, the equivalent document is letters of administration.
Detailed explanation
Banks, registrars and the Land Registry usually want to see the grant before releasing or transferring assets.
- With a will: executors apply for a grant of probate.
- Without a will: the next of kin apply for letters of administration.
- The grant proves authority; extra sealed copies (£16 each) let you deal with several institutions at once.
A bank holding £40,000 of the deceased's savings refuses to release it until the executor produces a grant of probate. Once the executor sends a sealed copy of the grant, the bank pays the money into the estate account.
- Complete the questionnaireA few guided questions about you, your family and your wishes.
- Human reviewYour answers are checked by the ClearLegacy editorial team for completeness.
- Receive your documentsYour will and supporting paperwork are produced, ready to print.
- Sign correctlyClear instructions on signing and witnessing so the will is legally valid.
- Protect your familyYour wishes are recorded and your loved ones are spared the intestacy default.
Sources
- GOV.UK — Applying for probate (application fee £300; estates over £5,000)
- GOV.UK — Probate fees and additional copies (£16 per copy)
- HM Courts & Tribunals Service — probate timeliness statistics, 2025
- GOV.UK — Valuing the estate of someone who's died
- Reviewed by
- ClearLegacy editorial team
- Last reviewed
- June 2026
- Next review
- December 2026
- Jurisdiction
- England & Wales
See your estate's risks in 3 minutes.
The free ClearLegacy Estate Risk Assessment flags the gaps that cause disputes, delays and tax.
Check my estate risk