Probate - Applying Online

Tarby777

MSE states in section four of link below that:

"you can only apply online if the deceased lived in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, you're the estate executor/administrator, and you:

• Are the husband, wife, civil partner or child of the deceased"

However, I am the nephew and sole executor of my late aunt (not husband, wife, civil partner, child) and when I have used Government Probate website and completed initial section to see if I can apply online it has allowed me to proceed (despite being nephew).

Is the MSE page quoted above incorrect or have I missed something ?

Guide to probate – what it is & how to do it yourself – MSE

Gonk1967

It sounds like being an executor overrides the need to be a husband, wife, etc.

If it lets your through then carry on, it may require you to apply by post though when you get to the final stages.

pcgtron

You can apply online if you're the executor. Doesn't matter the relation to the deceased. If you're the named executor you're good to proceed

lake888

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81990169#Comment_81990169

May I ask under what circumstances it may require people to apply by post when getting to the final stages?

Gonk1967

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81990223#Comment_81990223

Just a guess, but having recently gone through the process I don't recall a question asking what the applicants relationship is to the deceased.

p00hsticks

Yes, I agree the MSE write up is incorrect. If there is a will, then you need to be the executor. It's only if there is no will that you need to be a close relative (spouse, civil partner or child).

bluesky75

hello, just to answer your question - Paper (postal) probate applications are required if an attorney is acting for the applicant, all entitled beneficiaries have died and their legal personal representatives are applying, the application involves resealing a foreign grant of probate under the Colonial Probates Acts, the court is exercising discretionary powers (such as under section 116), or the person entitled to apply has forfeited their right to do so.