IHTM05101 - Types of grant: main types of grant (England, Wales and Northern Ireland)


Grant of ProbateProbate is the official proof of a will ( IHTM12000) under which an executor ( IHTM05012) is appointed who applies for the grant. It is evidence of the executor's authority to manage the deceased's estate: the actual authority stems from the will itself. Probate is conclusive proof as to the validity of the Will and of the executor's office.

In order to obtain probate the executor must ‘prove’ the Will in the Family Division of the High Court. This involves the intending executor ‘presenting’ the will to the Court (usually through the probate registry) and swearing on oath that they believe the will to be the true and last will of the deceased.

They must also submit ( IHTM05051) anIHT400 ( IHTM10021) to this office unless the estate is an excepted estate ( IHTM05021).

Once probate is granted the executor can get his hands on the assets so that banks on sight of the grant will pay over any accounts, shares can be transferred into the names of the executors, etc.
Grant of Letters of AdministrationLetters of Administration is granted where the deceased died intestate ( IHTM12101)(without a will), and the grant is the authority for the administrator to act
Grant of Letters of Administration with Will annexedThis type of grant is appropriate where the deceased made a will
  • but failed to appoint an executor; or
  • all the executors named in the will have died or are unable or unwilling to act