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What Happens Next?

Your documents are ready. Here's your step-by-step guide to completing your probate application.

Immediate Next Steps

1. Check Your Email

We've sent your documents to the email address you provided. The email contains three attachments:

  • •Executor Estate Spreadsheet – Pre-populated with all the information you provided
  • •Form NIPF7 – Completed and ready for submission
  • •Step-by-Step Submission Guide – Detailed instructions for the online application

2. Review Your Documents

Carefully review all the information in your documents to ensure accuracy. Check names, dates, addresses, and financial figures. If you spot any errors, you can correct them before submission.

3. Submit to the Court

Follow the step-by-step guide to submit your application through the Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service online probate system:

Go to Court Probate Portal

Expected Timeline

1

Week 1: Submit Your Application

Submit your completed NIPF7 form and supporting documents through the online portal. You'll receive an acknowledgment from the court.

2-4

Weeks 2-4: Initial Processing

The court will review your application. They may contact you if they need clarification or additional information. Response time varies depending on court workload.

Up to 8 Weeks: Grant Issued

If all documentation is in order, the court will issue your Grant of Probate within 8 weeks. You'll receive the official sealed document by post, which gives you legal authority to administer the estate.

Important: Request multiple certified copies of the Grant when it's issued. You'll need to send these to various banks and financial institutions to speed up the administration process.

Important Reminders

Before You Submit

  • •Ensure all information is accurate and matches official documents
  • •Have the original will ready (you'll need to submit this to the court)
  • •Obtain certified copies of the death certificate if required
  • •Keep copies of all documents for your records

While You Wait

During the processing period, you can start preparing for estate administration:

  • •Prepare bank closure letters enclosing bank closure forms (you'll send these with the certified Grant once received)
  • •Secure the deceased's property and valuables
  • •Keep detailed records of all estate-related expenses
  • •Do not distribute assets until you receive the Grant of Probate

After You Receive the Grant

Grant Receipt Checklist

Use this checklist to track your progress after receiving the Grant of Probate:

Administration Steps

Once you have your Grant of Probate, you can begin administering the estate:

  1. 1.Send certified copies of the Grant to all banks, building societies, and financial institutions
  2. 2.Close accounts and collect assets in the deceased's name
  3. 3.Pay any outstanding debts and liabilities from the estate
  4. 4.Prepare estate accounts showing all income, expenses, and distributions
  5. 5.Distribute assets to beneficiaries according to the will
  6. 6.Keep detailed records of all transactions for at least 12 years

Frequently Asked Questions

Need Help?

Document Questions

If you have questions about your documents or need corrections:

[email protected]

Court Process Questions

For questions about the court application process, contact:

NI Courts & Tribunals Service

Important Disclaimer

Probate Direct provides document preparation services only. We do not provide legal advice or ongoing support for court applications or estate administration. If you need legal advice or assistance with complex estate matters, please consult a qualified solicitor.

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