A grant of probate is the official document, issued by the Probate Registry, that confirms the executor named in a will has the legal authority to deal with the estate of the person who has died: their money, property and possessions. Where there’s no will, the equivalent document is called letters of administration, and it gives the administrator the same authority. Banks and other organisations may ask to see one before they release anything belonging to the estate.
Applying, cost and timing
In England you can apply online or by post, once the estate has been valued. GOV.UK sets out the costs:
- “If the value of the estate is over £5,000, the application fee is £526.” “There’s no fee if the estate is £5,000 or less.”
- Extra copies cost “£2 each” if you order them with your application, and “£16 each” afterwards. Ordering a few at the start lets you send them to several organisations at once.
- “You’ll usually get the grant of probate or letters of administration within 12 weeks of submitting your application.” It can take longer if more information is needed.
At Wigwam
You don’t need the grant to start storing the belongings. An executor can rent a unit on behalf of the estate straight away, with the agreement in their own name as executor, so the house can be cleared while the paperwork is under way.
If the person who died already rented a unit with us, the storage carries on as it was and the belongings stay safe in the meantime. To keep things right for the estate, before we give anyone access or change the agreement, we’ll usually ask to see the death certificate and the grant (or letters of administration). If the estate won’t need a grant, or there’s something personal you need sooner, call us on 0800 2545585 and we’ll talk you through it.
Related terms
Related questions
- What happens to a storage unit when the renter dies?
- Who pays for storage while an estate is sorted out?
Further reading