Probate Document Checklist

Gathering the right documents is essential for a smooth probate process. This guide provides a comprehensive checklist of documents you'll need at each stage of probate.

Essential Documents About the Deceased

Personal Identification

• Death certificate (multiple official copies recommended)
• Birth certificate
• Marriage or civil partnership certificate (if applicable)
• Decree absolute (if divorced)
• National Insurance number

The Will and Related Documents

• Original will (and any codicils)
• Letter of wishes (if separate from the will)
• Any notes about funeral wishes
• Previous wills (if relevant to understanding intentions)

Financial Documents

Bank and Building Society Accounts

• Bank statements for all accounts
• Building society passbooks
• Details of joint accounts
• Online banking access information (if available)

Investments and Pensions

• Share certificates
• Investment account statements
• Unit trust certificates
• Pension documents
• Life insurance policies
• Premium bond certificates
• Details of any trusts where the deceased was a beneficiary

Property and Assets

• Property deeds or land registry information
• Mortgage statements
• Rental agreements (if the deceased was a landlord)
• Vehicle registration documents
• Valuations of personal possessions (jewelry, art, antiques)
• Business ownership documents

Debts and Liabilities

• Credit card statements
• Loan agreements
• Utility bills
• Council tax statements
• Care home bills
• Funeral expenses receipts

Tax Information

• Recent tax returns
• P60 forms
• Tax calculation statements
• Correspondence with HMRC

Documents for Probate Application

Probate Forms

• Probate application form (PA1P if there is a will, PA1A if no will)
• Inheritance tax forms (IHT205 or IHT400 series)
• Statement of Truth

Supporting Documents

• Certified copy of the death certificate
• Original will (not a copy)
• Calculation of the estate's value
• Property valuations
• Evidence of debts and liabilities

Documents for Estate Administration

Asset Collection

• Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration
• Executor's or Administrator's ID documents
• Death certificate copies
• Closure forms for each financial institution

Debt Payment

• Invoices for all outstanding debts
• Receipts for payments made
• Estate accounts showing all transactions

Distribution to Beneficiaries

• List of beneficiaries with contact details
• Residuary account (final estate accounts)
• Receipts from beneficiaries
• Tax certificates for beneficiaries (if applicable)

Special Circumstances Documents

If No Will Exists

• Family tree showing relationship of administrators to the deceased
• Birth, marriage, and death certificates proving relationships
• Renunciation forms (if entitled individuals don't wish to act)

For Foreign Assets

• Foreign property ownership documents
• Translations of foreign documents
• Foreign tax forms

For Business Interests

• Business accounts
• Partnership agreements
• Share certificates for private companies
• Valuation of business interests

Document Organization Tips

Creating a Filing System

• Use a dedicated folder for probate documents
• Create sections for different categories
• Keep a log of all documents and when they were obtained
• Make copies of important documents

Digital Document Management

• Scan physical documents for backup
• Use secure cloud storage
• Password-protect sensitive files
• Share access with co-executors if appropriate

How Clear Executor Can Help

Our platform provides:

• Digital document storage with bank-level security
• Document checklists tailored to your specific situation
• Automated reminders for missing documents
• Guidance on how to obtain difficult-to-find documents

Remember to keep all documents organized and secure throughout the probate process. Having the right documents readily available will save time, reduce stress, and help ensure a smooth probate journey.