How can I obtain a copy of a will?

While a person is still alive, their will is strictly confidential and only they can give a copy to you. Once that person dies, their personal representatives stand in their shoes. It is then for the personal representatives to decide whether to provide a copy to you. Once a grant of probate has been issued the will becomes a public document and anyone can obtain a copy from the Probate Registry.

What is the grant of probate?

A grant of probate (or grant of letters of administration if the person died intestate) is the legal document that authorises the executor(s) to administer the deceased’s estate.

How can I find out if a grant of probate has been issued?

You can obtain a copy of the grant by using the Government’s online search tool, or by completing Form PA1S. If probate has been granted, you will be provided with a copy of the grant and the will (if there is one). If the grant of probate has not yet been issued, you can lodge a "standing search" with the Probate Registry. This is also done by Form PA1S. A standing search will remain in place for six months (it can be renewed if needed) and should a grant of probate be issued during that period, you will be sent a copy.

I think there is a more recent will to the one that is going to be admitted to probate. What can I do?

If you think there is a more recent will to the one which will be admitted to probate, you should lodge a caveat with the Probate Registry as a matter of urgency to prevent the grant of probate being obtained for the earlier will. You should not delay in seeking legal advice as soon as possible as steps may need to be taken urgently to protect the assets in the estate.

Can a caveat be removed?

A caveat only remains in place for six months unless it is renewed. The Executor can, however, also take steps to try and have it removed. To challenge a caveat, they must lodge a "Warning" at the Probate Registry. There is no fee for the Warning. The Warning is then served on the person who entered the caveat. They will then have fourteen days to "enter an Appearance" at the Probate Registry should they wish to keep the caveat in place. There is no fee for the Appearance. If there is a failure to enter an Appearance, an affidavit of service of the Warning needs to be lodged with the Probate Registry and then the caveat will be removed, and the Personal Representative will be able to apply for a grant. If, however, an Appearance is entered then the caveat will remain in place until the issues are resolved and the caveat is removed by consent of the parties or by Court Order. In many cases it is removed by consent once the substantive issues are resolved or an agreed way to proceed is identified.

Caveat Probate | Probate Caveat Warning

Q: How can I stop probate?

You can prevent a grant of probate by lodging a caveat at the Probate Registry. Once a caveat is in place, the executor will not be able to administer the estate until it has been removed. It will remain in place for six months and it can be renewed if needed.

Advising on how to prevent the grant of probate and the administration of the deceased’s estate by lodging a caveat.

If you have concerns about a will or want to make a claim, a caveat can be a first step to stopping the Executor from administering the estate.

A caveat can be entered online, by email (if the fee is paid by use of a PBA account), by post or in person at any Probate Registry. There is a caveat application Form PA8A, but the request can also be made without the form so long as it is made in writing with a request that a caveat be entered, the applicant's name and address, and the full name, date of death and last permanent address of the deceased (as recorded in their death certificate).

Once lodged at the Probate Registry, the caveat prevents the issue of a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration - a caveat remains in place for six months, but it can be renewed on expiry.

Once a caveat is in place, the Executor will not be able to administer the estate until it has been removed. The Executor can take steps to try and have the caveat removed by lodging a "Warning" at the Probate Registry. This can be done by post using Form 4 of The Non-Contentious Probate Rules 1987; a copy of this form can be obtained from the Leeds District Probate Registry. The Warning is then served on the person who entered the caveat, who then has 14 calendar days to "enter an Appearance" at the Probate Registry should they wish to keep the caveat in place. It will then remain in place until the issues are resolved and the caveat is removed by consent or by Court Order.

If you wish to lodge a caveat it is essential that you do so as soon as possible to avoid a grant of representation being obtained. We recommend that you seek legal advice as soon as you are able to, to try to resolve any issues by consent and avoid court proceedings if possible.

Get in touch

Whether you need to dispute a will or defend your inheritance, our expert team will work with you to achieve the best result. Contact us on freephone 0800 0931336 or by email at willdisputes@ashfords.co.uk for a no obligation chat to see how we can help.

You can also click below to complete our caveat instruction form with details on the caveat you wish to enter.

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