Understanding a grant
Letters of administration explained
Written and reviewed by our experienced team. Checked against GOV.UK and the sources listed at the end on 15 September 2026. ProbateCheck is an independent service, not a law firm.
Letters of administration are the grant issued when someone dies without a will, or without an executor able to act. They give an administrator, usually the closest relative, authority to deal with the estate. Like a grant of probate, letters of administration appear in the public probate records and a copy costs £16.
When they are used
Letters of administration are issued where there is no valid will. A closely related version, 'letters of administration with will annexed', is used where there is a will but no executor able to apply. See grant of representation.
Who can apply
The right to apply follows a set order of priority, normally starting with a surviving spouse or civil partner, then children, then parents, then brothers and sisters. GOV.UK sets out who can apply on its applying for probate pages.
How to apply, what it costs and how long it takes
Apply online, or by post on form PA1A sent to HMCTS Probate, PO Box 12625, Harlow, CM20 9QF. The application fee is £526 for estates over £5,000 and nothing for estates of £5,000 or less, for applications from 13 July 2026 (GOV.UK, checked 15 September 2026). HMCTS took a mean of 5 weeks from application to grant in January to March 2026, and about 2 weeks for online applications that were not stopped; GOV.UK says paper applications take longer and to apply online if you can. GOV.UK also states that you cannot apply if you were the person's partner but not their husband, wife or civil partner when they died. Full figures on the fees and timing pages.
Finding one in the records
Letters of administration are searchable in the same public index as a grant of probate. Search by name and year and order a copy for £16.
Frequently asked questions
What are letters of administration?+
They are the grant issued when someone dies without a will, or without an executor able to act. They give an administrator authority to deal with the estate, and appear in the public probate records.
Who can apply for letters of administration?+
Usually the closest relative, following a set order of priority: spouse or civil partner first, then children, then parents, then siblings. GOV.UK sets out the full order.
How much does it cost to apply for letters of administration?+
£526 if the estate is over £5,000, nothing if it is £5,000 or less, for applications from 13 July 2026. The fee is the same as for a grant of probate. Extra copies are £2 each if ordered with the application.
Which form do I use for letters of administration?+
Form PA1A if applying by post; PA1P is only for estates with a will. Most people apply online instead, which GOV.UK says is faster than paper.
Sources checked for this guide
- GOV.UK, Applying for probate: apply for probate (read 15 September 2026)
- GOV.UK, Applying for probate: if there is not a will (read 15 September 2026)
- GOV.UK, Applying for probate: fees (read 15 September 2026)
- Ministry of Justice, Family Court Statistics Quarterly: January to March 2026, section 17 Probate Service (published 25 June 2026) (read 15 September 2026)
- Find a Court or Tribunal, Probate Service Centre (HMCTS Probate postal address and helpline) (read 15 September 2026)