What Information Do You Need Before Applying for Probate?

The biggest cause of probate delays is missing information. A little organisation early can save weeks — sometimes months — later.

This guide gives you a practical checklist of what to gather before applying for probate. If property is involved, we’ll also cover the extra items that commonly matter.

A calm workspace with papers and documents — Image source: Pexels.

Quick checklist (start here)

Death certificate and key personal details
The original will (and any codicils), if there is one
Executor/administrator details (who is applying)
List of assets (accounts, pensions, insurance, property, investments)
List of debts and ongoing bills (mortgage, utilities, care fees, credit)
Property details (ownership type, valuation, insurance position)

If you’re unsure whether you need probate

Start with do I need probate?.

The will and who is acting

If there is a will, it usually names the executor(s). If there is no will, someone applies as administrator and the estate is distributed under intestacy rules.

Find the original will (not just a photocopy if possible).
Confirm who is appointed as executor and whether they are willing/able to act.
If there is no will, identify who is entitled to apply.

See who can apply for probate for a practical overview.

Tell Us Once notifications

Tell Us Once is a GOV.UK service that lets you report a death to many public bodies in one go. It can reduce admin and prevent problems later (for example overpayments).

You can read the latest GOV.UK guidance here: Tell Us Once on GOV.UK.

Gather the details before you start

GOV.UK lists the typical information you’ll need (for example executor/administrator contact details, the person’s National Insurance number in some cases, and details of public sector pensions/benefits). Having this ready makes the call or online process smoother.

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Assets: what to list and how to find them

Make a simple list of what the person owned and which organisation holds it. Typical categories include:

Current and savings accounts
Pensions and life insurance
Property and land
Investments and shares
Premium bonds and other savings products

Where to look

Start with paperwork at home, bank statements, email accounts (if you have access), and the person’s wallet for clues. A tidy list early reduces “unknown provider” delays later.

Debts and ongoing bills

A realistic picture of the estate includes what is owed. Include obvious items like credit cards and loans, but also ongoing bills (utilities, council tax, insurance) and any care fees.

Keep a record of what you pay

If you pay any costs personally (for example urgent property expenses), keep receipts and notes. It helps later when the estate accounts are prepared.

Property: valuation, insurance, and ownership type

Property is a common reason probate becomes complicated. Three questions matter early:

How was it owned (sole owner, joint tenants, tenants in common)?
What is the date-of-death value (and what evidence supports it)?
What does the insurer require if the home is empty?

Use these guides if you want help: property after death and estate valuation.

How to keep records (so you don’t repeat work)

A simple record-keeping system makes everything easier:

Create one folder for documents (paper or digital).
Keep a running list of organisations contacted and what they asked for.
Save copies of letters, emails and forms you submit.
Track important dates (death registration, reference numbers, key submissions).

This helps even if you later get professional support

If you hand over to a solicitor later, having an organised set of documents can reduce their time spent “re-discovering” information, which can also reduce cost.

Frequently asked questions

You usually need a clear view of the estate to apply confidently. Missing valuations, unclear ownership, or unknown accounts can cause delays and follow-up requests.

Start with the person’s paperwork and ask close family. It may have been stored with a solicitor. If no will exists, the estate may be handled under intestacy rules.

Not necessarily, but it can make life easier by notifying several public bodies in one go. The registrar usually explains it when you register the death.

Often yes. Even if the plan is to keep the home, you usually need a sensible date-of-death value for probate and tax reporting.

Klaro is not a law firm. We connect you with SRA-regulated solicitors.

This guide is for informational purposes. It does not constitute legal advice.

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