Probate checklist template
When to use it
- You have just started dealing with an estate and want the whole job on one page.
- You are not sure what probate involves and want to see every task before deciding to do it yourself.
- Several family members are helping and you need one shared list of who is doing what.
How to use it
- Work from top to bottom — the sections follow the real order of events.
- Tick items off and date them; the record is useful if anyone later questions what was done.
- Some items will not apply to your estate. Cross those out rather than leaving them blank, so you know they were considered.
The first two weeks
- Register the death within five days and order several death certificates
- Find the will and identify the executors
- Secure the property and any valuables; check the buildings insurance
- Use the Tell Us Once service to notify government departments
- Redirect post and cancel subscriptions and deliveries
Valuing the estate
- Write to every bank, building society and pension provider for date-of-death balances
- Get the property valued by at least one estate agent or a surveyor
- List investments, premium bonds, vehicles, jewellery and other valuables
- List every debt: mortgage, loans, credit cards, household bills, care fees
- Check for gifts made in the seven years before death
Tax and the probate application
- Work out whether Inheritance Tax is due and which HMRC forms apply
- Pay any Inheritance Tax that must be paid before the grant is issued
- Complete the probate application (online or form PA1P / PA1A)
- Pay the court fee and order extra copies of the grant
- Send the original will to the Probate Registry if applying online
After the grant
- Send sealed copies of the grant to every bank and institution
- Collect in all money and close the accounts
- Place statutory notices in The Gazette and a local paper if appropriate
- Pay all debts, expenses and any legacies in the correct order
- Prepare estate accounts and distribute what remains to the beneficiaries
Last reviewed 2026-09-05. Apply For Probate Online is an independent self-help service and is not part of HM Courts & Tribunals Service or GOV.UK.
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