Step 5 - Preparing for your appointment
About the appointment
Once you've submitted your completed application form along with the required documentation (see Step 3 - The personal application form) and provided everything is in order with what you've submitted, we will schedule an appointment with you to finalise your application.
The appointment will be with a probate official and will be in person at the office that is dealing with your application. We will confirm details of the appointment in advance by post or email.
What you need to bring with you
To ensure your appointment runs smoothly and to avoid the need for a second visit, you must bring the following items (where applicable) to your appointment:
- The original will and codicil (if any): Ensure you bring the original will and not a copy. During your appointment the probate official needs to see the original document for verification, even though a photocopy was submitted with your application. This helps to avoid the risk of losing or damaging the original will in the post. You may need to contact the solicitor who prepared the will to obtain the original.
- Photo Identification: Acceptable forms of ID include a driver’s license or passport.
- Payment method: Please bring a credit or debit card for the fee payment. If applying to a District Probate Registry, please check in advance with the relevant office regarding accepted payment methods.
- Additional documentation: Bring any other documentation the Probate Office has requested.
If you do not bring photo ID or the original will, we will not be able to proceed with the appointment as planned, and you will need to schedule another appointment.