Who Can Apply For Probate? England and Wales.
Who Can Apply For Probate please? There is no will. (For those who will have a property to sell see this article too.)
- See also Is Probate Needed?
- More info on who can apply here.
- You can apply for probate yourself or use a professional firm such we recommend – some are half the cost of many.
- You may find our free video and downloadable guides on how to go apply for probate helpful..
- Where to apply for probate here.
- Asset Search.
Who can Apply for Probate: this is the strict order.
If there is no Last Will and testament appointing an executor or executors, or those executors refuse to act then:
- the surviving husband or wife. If none (he was divorced, so no wife.) Then
- The children of the Deceased (and their children if they have predeceased) – if under age they can act through a parent with Parental Responsibility.) (So in this case, the two mothers of his children could potentially act.) If none then
- the father and mother of the deceased. If none then
- brothers and sisters of the whole blood (and their children if they have predeceased.) If none then
- brothers and sisters of the half blood (and their children if they have predeceased.) If none then
- grandparents then
- uncles and aunts of the whole blood (and their children if they have predeceased.) If none then
- uncles and aunts of the half blood (and their children if they have predeceased.) If none then
- the Treasury Solicitor when claiming Bona Vacantia then
- any creditor of the Deceased.
A grant cannot be issued to a person under 18, but parents who have parental responsibility for the relevant children can apply for a grant of probate, preferably together.In this particular case, the children are likely to inherit, and it would seem likely that both mothers have equal rights to act (or ask us to help!) but there is nothing to stop you offering to help. In effect, it looks as if his estate will be shared one third each to his children, in Trust for them until they reach the age of 18. If his assets had been significant, then our professional associates’ help might save a lot of problems between the parties as professionals have no axe to grind.Obviously, we can help if you or the mothers would wish that – our fees are relatively modest!I have attached our leaflet called “Is Probate Required.”Footnote: it is absolutely CRUCIAL that people make Wills, and keep them up to date. If there is a word stronger than crucial (imperative?) then it is even MORE important for unmarried couples or unmarried parents to make Wills.