Entering a caveat: how to pause a grant of probate with form PA8A
A caveat pauses a grant of probate for six months while questions get answered. What form PA8A does, how long it lasts, and how to complete your own application.
Probate & Inheritance
Free, plain-English guides to probate, wills and inheritance in England and Wales — from applying for probate and inheritance tax forms to writing a will. Whether you are dealing with a loved one’s estate or planning ahead, these step-by-step guides walk you through the paperwork in the order the process actually happens. Start with applying for probate where there is a will (form PA1P) or letters of administration where there is no will (form PA1A), then work through the inheritance tax forms — IHT205 for smaller estates, plus the IHT402, IHT403, IHT421 and IHT435 schedules for nil-rate bands, lifetime gifts and probate summaries. Planning ahead instead? See the DIY will guide for England and Wales, amend a will with a codicil or letter of wishes, use a deed of variation to redirect an inheritance, or set up a lasting power of attorney, advance decision or Court of Protection deputyship. For the full checklist in one place, see our probate and inheritance forms hub. Every guide is free to read — and when you’re ready, Chris can help you draft your own documents to a professional standard, in minutes.
No will, no shortcut: applying for letters of administration (PA1A)
When someone dies without a will, dealing with their estate starts with form PA1A and the intestacy rules. Here’s what letters of administration really ask of you — and how to finish the form.
The PA1P, the £526, and the will you have to post: applying for probate yourself
Apply for a grant of probate yourself with form PA1P. The £526 application fee has applied since 13 July 2026 — and it’s the order of the steps that trips people up.
Advance Decision (Living Will): Refuse Specific Treatment in Advance (2026 Guide)
An Advance Decision (living will) lets you refuse specific medical treatment in future, if you lose capacity. Strict rules for life-sustaining treatment. Chris drafts it.
Notice of Severance: Change Joint Tenants to Tenants in Common (2026 Guide)
Want to leave your share of a property in your will? Sever the joint tenancy with a Notice of Severance + a Land Registry restriction. Chris drafts it.
Letter of Wishes: Guide Your Executors & Trustees (2026 Guide)
A letter of wishes sits alongside your will and guides your executors and trustees on funerals, personal items, children and discretionary trusts. Chris drafts it.
Codicil: Amend Your Will Without Rewriting It (2026 Guide)
Need a small change to your will — a gift, an executor, a new grandchild? A codicil amends it without starting again. Must be signed & witnessed. Chris drafts it.
Deed of Variation: Redirect an Inheritance (Estate) (2026 Guide)
A Deed of Variation lets beneficiaries redirect an inheritance within 2 years of death, with possible IHT/CGT benefits. Chris drafts it.
DIY Will for England and Wales — 2026 Complete Guide
Draft a valid will under s.9 Wills Act 1837 — executors, residuary estate, IHT planning, survivorship, Banks v Goodfellow capacity, beneficiary-witness trap.
Form COP1 — Court of Protection Deputyship Application 2026 Guide
COP1 deputyship — COP1A, COP3 capacity assessment, COP4 declaration, emergency interim orders, best interests.