How to apply for Letters of Administration using form PA1A, the 12-tier priority order, costs, documents needed, and how it differs from a Grant of Probate.
This guide is part of ProbateHelp's Probate Process guide cluster. Estimated reading time: 16 min.
A Grant of Probate is issued when there is a valid will and at least one executor can act. Letters of Administration are issued when there is no valid will, or when there is a will but no executor can act. Both documents give legal authority to deal with the estate, but the person appointed under Letters of Administration is called an administrator and must distribute the estate under the intestacy rules.
Yes, but it is more complex. You will almost certainly need to instruct a UK solicitor to apply on your behalf, and the Probate Registry may ask for additional evidence of your identity and your relationship to the deceased. A security bond may also be required. It is worth getting legal advice before starting.
A minor cannot apply for Letters of Administration. If the only entitled person is under 18, the grant will be made to their parent or guardian as a 'grant for the use and benefit of' the minor, until they reach 18. A solicitor can guide you through this.
Yes. In most intestate estates, the administrator is also one of the beneficiaries — this is completely normal and does not disqualify you. You must still act impartially and in the interests of all beneficiaries, not just yourself.
The grant must be revoked. The executor named in the will then applies for a Grant of Probate. This is a significant complication — which is why it is worth doing a thorough will search before you apply. See our guide on finding a lost will.
There is no expiry date on Letters of Administration. Your authority continues until the estate is fully administered. If you fail to act within a reasonable time, beneficiaries can apply to the court to compel you to act — or to remove you.
Yes. A solicitor or licensed probate practitioner can apply using the practitioner form and the MyHMCTS online portal. They send their application to the Newcastle District Probate Registry rather than the Harlow address. Their fees vary widely — get at least two quotes before instructing.
Not always. If the deceased only had savings below the bank's threshold (typically £25,000–£50,000), jointly owned assets that pass by survivorship, or nominated pension benefits, you may not need a grant at all. Read our guide on when you don't need probate before starting the application.