Can an unmarried partner apply?

Not under the intestacy order. They may have a claim for financial provision, but they cannot apply for letters of administration as of right.

Forms · 6 min read

PA1A: applying for letters of administration

PA1A is used where there is no valid will. The extra work compared with PA1P is proving that you are the person entitled to apply.

Written and reviewed by Ramani Gill, Founder & CEO — Solicitor, TEP, BA, LLM. Last reviewed 2026-08-19.

Who may apply, in order of priority

Surviving spouse or civil partner
Children, or their descendants if a child has died
Parents
Brothers and sisters of the whole blood, or their descendants
Half-siblings, then grandparents, then uncles and aunts

Someone lower in the order can only apply if everyone above them has died or has cleared off — meaning they are accounted for on the application as not applying.

What PA1A asks for

Your relationship to the deceased and the basis of your entitlement
Details of relatives with an equal or better right to apply
Whether the deceased was married, divorced or in a civil partnership at death
Whether there are children under 18, which can require a second administrator
Estate values and the Inheritance Tax position

Two administrators may be required

Where a beneficiary is a minor or has a life interest, the registry usually requires two administrators, so identify a second person early.

Doing this yourself?

Our guided service walks an executor through valuations, the HMCTS forms and the estate accounts for a one-off £349.

Check if I can do probate myself

Evidence to have ready

Marriage or civil partnership certificate
Birth certificates linking you to the deceased
Decree absolute where relevant
Death certificates for anyone with a prior right who has died

GOV.UK — Form PA1A

Common questions

Can an unmarried partner apply?: Not under the intestacy order. They may have a claim for financial provision, but they cannot apply for letters of administration as of right.

Not sure whether this estate is straightforward?

The free suitability checker asks about jurisdiction, disputes and complexity, and tells you in a few minutes whether a self-help route is sensible — or whether you should speak to a solicitor. No account needed.

Start the free checker