What documents might I need?

Gathering paperwork after someone has died can feel overwhelming. You do not need everything at once. This checklist sets out the documents and information that are often needed, so you can collect them gradually.

Key documents for the application

The original Will

If there is a Will, you will usually need to send the original, along with any codicils (formal changes). A photocopy is not normally enough. Do not remove staples or clips, as this can raise questions about whether pages were changed.

If you cannot find the original, check with the person's solicitor or bank, or any will storage service. A professional can explain what to do if only a copy exists.

Death certificate or coroner's certificate

You will need details from the death certificate. GOV.UK says you need to send a copy of the death certificate if the person died outside England and Wales, or if you have an interim certificate from a coroner. It is often helpful to order a few certified copies when registering the death, as many organisations ask for one.

Inheritance Tax information

Before applying, you need to value the estate and deal with Inheritance Tax reporting. GOV.UK asks applicants for several figures, including the gross and net value of the estate. If the estate needs a full IHT400 return, you will usually need to wait for HMRC to send a unique code before applying online.

Our guide on how Inheritance Tax works gives background.

Information about assets

To value the estate, collect paperwork showing what the person owned on the date of death:

• bank and building society statements
• property deeds or Land Registry details, and a valuation of any home or land
• share certificates, investment and ISA statements
• Premium Bonds and National Savings details
• pension statements and any life insurance policies
• details of valuable items such as cars, jewellery or art
• details of any business interests
• details of any money owed to the person, such as refunds or unpaid wages

Information about debts

• mortgage statements
• credit card and loan statements
• utility, council tax and phone bills
• care home or medical bills
• funeral invoice

Other helpful records

• details of gifts the person made in the seven years before death
• details of any trusts they set up or benefited from
• information about a spouse or civil partner who died earlier, as unused tax allowances may transfer
• recent tax returns or HMRC letters

A practical example

When Helen's father died, she kept a simple folder. Each time a letter arrived, she added it and noted the value and contact details on one list. After a few weeks, she had nearly everything she needed to value the estate and apply.

Tips for getting organised

1. Keep one list of every organisation you contact and what they said.
2. Ask each bank and provider for a date-of-death balance in writing.
3. Keep receipts for any estate expenses you pay yourself.
4. Use the Tell Us Once service, if offered when you register the death, to inform many government departments at once.

Scotland and Northern Ireland

This article covers England and Wales. In Scotland, the equivalent of probate is called "confirmation" and it works differently. Northern Ireland has its own probate office and rules. See the mygov.scot bereavement pages or nidirect's guide to applying for probate. At present we cannot reliably route enquiries from Scotland or Northern Ireland.

When to get professional help

A professional can help if paperwork is missing, if the original Will cannot be found, or if the estate includes gifts, trusts, overseas assets or a business. If you are unsure whether you need a grant at all, our guide on when probate is needed may help. You may also find our article on the costs involved useful.

Next steps

There is no need to have everything ready before getting in touch.

You can read more on our Probate page, or answer a few short questions in our probate questionnaire and we will aim to introduce you to up to three appropriately qualified firms.

WillHarbour is an independent introduction service, not a law firm, and we do not give legal, tax or financial advice. With your permission, we share your enquiry with up to three suitable firms, such as solicitors or other firms that help with estates. It is free to use and there is no obligation. The firms pay us a fee for each introduction, and they must tell you about this, and their own fees, before you instruct them.