Applying for Probate: Eligibility and Inheritance Tax Checks

Before You Apply for Probate

Before applying for probate in the UK, you must confirm that you’re eligible to apply. You also need to find out whether you need to pay Inheritance Tax – the official guidance says this check comes before you submit your application.

What Happens After You Apply

Your application will be reviewed by the Probate Service. If you ordered copies of your probate document for use outside the UK, these will take longer to arrive than your UK copy.

Applying by Post

The UK Government provides a postal route: ‘Apply for probate by post’.

If Your Right to Stay in the UK Depends on the Person Who Died

If your right to live in the UK depends on your relationship with someone who died, you might need to apply for a new visa.