Probate application Documents

Keithboy18

I completed the application online. The instructions were to post the original will (& coversheet) - nothing else.
I looked on "What happens next" which states the death certificate will be returned.
I am confused as the death certificate was not requested. I tried to get through to the enquiries line (35mins) but my phone battery went flat.
I have asked by email if the certificate is needed.
Does anyone here have knowledge please?

p00hsticks

If the instructions didn't ask you to send a death certificate, then you don't need  to. (I didn't)

I think that in some cases (if you are submitting a probate application very soon after the death or perhaps if the death occurred abroad) then the probate office won't necessarily be aware of the death and will ask for sight of the death certificate.

My understanding is that at the end of each calendar quarter the local registrars in England and Wales upload the details of births, deaths and marraiges to the central Government Register Office (GRO) and once this is done other government departments will be able to access and confirm the details themselves directly electronically, so there is no further need for sight of physical certificates.

JGB1955

It only needs to be sent if requested - they have full access to death records so can verify the death independently. I didn't have to send in a certificate back in September 2020.

msb1234

No, you dont send the death certificate if they died in England as the Probate office have access to death records anyway. 

Golactico

I had this very same question and thought I'd check here, as I had waited 20mins without getting through to the Probate office.
Thanks for the clear answers. It would really help though if at some point in the application process, the words 'You do not need to send the death certificate' were added - such a simple thing to do, to clear up any confusion.

p00hsticks

Golactico said:

Thanks for the clear answers. It would really help though if at some point in the application process, the words 'You do not need to send the death certificate' were added - such a simple thing to do, to clear up any confusion.

Why mention documents you don't need to send though ? I think that would possibly result in more confusion.

 From my recollection the process gives a very clear indication at the end of what documents do need to be included (in my particular case, it was just the cover sheet and original will).

I'm aware that it's a process everyone is anxious to get right at what is obviously a difficult time, and that the Probate Service does not have the best reputation, but I'm not sure why people seem to be so reluctant to accept that what is being requested is a complete and correct indication of what they actually need.

handful

p00hsticks said:

Golactico said:

Thanks for the clear answers. It would really help though if at some point in the application process, the words 'You do not need to send the death certificate' were added - such a simple thing to do, to clear up any confusion.

Why mention documents you don't need to send though ? I think that would possibly result in more confusion.

 From my recollection the process gives a very clear indication at the end of what documents do need to be included (in my particular case, it was just the cover sheet and original will).

I'm aware that it's a process everyone is anxious to get right at what is obviously a difficult time, and that the Probate Service does not have the best reputation, but I'm not sure why people seem to be so reluctant to accept that what is being requested is a complete and correct indication of what they actually need.

To be fair to the OP, he was referring to the information telling them that the Death certificate would be returned. Maybe they should add "if you were required to send one" or something similar?

kipsterno1

This concern has been raised before. I wonder if anyone has then used the link on the page to point out the error/ issue?

I have just  visited the webpage and using  the link suggested that they look at the wording.

bikeman

I know this is a 2 year old question..

The P1A1 probate application form which is used for postal applications still requests an official copy (not a photocopy) of the death certificate.

 it just goes to show how lax they are amending their forms.