Renunciation of Probate

If someone dear to you has passed away, you may have been tasked with the responsibility of setting their affairs in order – a process known as Probate or Estate Administration. For many people, the combination of the loss of a loved one with the necessity to engage in complicated legal and financial undertakings can be too much to bear, or involve a greater investment of time than they are able to commit to, which is why it is possible to renounce your position as the administrator or executor of their estate and allow other people to do it in your stead.

If you are named as the executor of a Will and have been granted probate but you no longer wish to act in relation to the administration of the estate, either because you are unable to commit the required resources or time, or for any other reason, you can renounce your involvement in the estate by completing this document. It is absolutely free to download and you need no legal knowledge to complete it.

You should bear in mind that by doing this you are standing aside for another executor to obtain probate and take charge of the estate. If you would prefer not to do this, you may want to consider seeking professional probate assistance instead.

Before officially renouncing your Probate duties, it may be worth discussing your decision with a legal adviser - our Instant Law Line service could get you in touch with one within 5 minutes, for only £4.99 a month.