Citation and commencement_I1

1. These Rules may be cited as the Non-Contentious Probate Rules 1987 and shall come into force on 1st January 1988.

Interpretation_I2

2.—(1) In these Rules, unless the context otherwise requires—

“the Act” means the Supreme Court Act 1981 ;

“authorised officer” means any officer of a registry who is for the time being authorised by the President to administer any oath or to take any affidavit required for any purpose connected with his duties;

“the Crown” includes the Crown in right of the Duchy of Lancaster and the Duke of Cornwall for the time being;

[^F1 “ district judge ” means a district judge of the Principal Registry; ^F1]

“grant” means a grant of probate or administration and includes, where the context so admits, the resealing of such a grant under the Colonial Probates Acts 1892 and 1927( 3 );

“gross value” in relation to any estate means the value of the estate without deduction for debts, incumbrances, funeral expenses or inheritance tax (or other capital tax payable out of the estate);

[^F2 “ judge ” means a judge of the High Court; ^F2]

“personal applicant” means a person other than a trust corporation who seeks to obtain a grant without employing a solicitor [^F3 or probate practitioner ^F3] , and “personal application” has a corresponding meaning;

[^F4 “probate practitioner” means a person who, for the purposes of the Legal Services Act 2007 , is an authorised person in relation to an activity which constitutes a probate activity (within the meaning of that Act); ^F4]

[^F5 “ online portal ” means the online portal established by Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service for the making of online applications under [^F6 rules 4 (Applications for grants through solicitors or probate practitioners) ^F6] , 5ZA (online procedure for personal applications) or 5A (alternative online procedure for personal applications); ^F5]

[^F7 “ registrar ” means the district probate registrar of the district probate registry–

“registry” means the Principal Registry or a district probate registry;

[^F8 “ the senior district judge ” means the Senior District Judge of the Family Division or, in his absence, the senior of the district judges in attendance at the Principal Registry; ^F8]

[^F9 “ statement of truth ” means a statement ^F10 ... confirming the truthfulness of statements made in the application and the true nature of any documents served in support of the application; ^F9]

^F11...

^F11...

“the Treasury Solicitor” means the solicitor for the affairs of Her Majesty’s Treasury and includes the solicitor for the affairs of the Duchy of Lancaster and the solicitor of the Duchy of Cornwall;

“trust corporation” means a corporation within the meaning of section 128 of the Act as extended by section 3 of the Law of Property (Amendment) Act 1926 ( 4 ).

[^F12 “ witness statement ” means a written statement signed by a person which contains the evidence which that person would be allowed to give orally. ^F12]

(2) A form referred to by number means the form so numbered in the First Schedule; and such forms shall be used wherever applicable, with such variation as a [^F13district judge or^F13] registrar may in any particular case direct or approve.

[^F14Witness statements

2A. Witness statements must be verified by a statement of truth.^F14]

Application of other rules

[^F153.—(1) Subject to the provisions of these rules and to any enactment, the Rules of the Supreme Court 1965 as they were in force immediately before 26th April 1999 shall apply, with any necessary modifications to non-contentious probate matters, and any reference in these rules to those rules shall be construed accordingly.

(2) Nothing in Order 3 of the Rules of the Supreme Court shall prevent time from running in the Long Vacation.^F15]

[^F16Overriding objective

3A. The overriding objective of these Rules is to enable non-contentious and common form probate business to be dealt with justly and expeditiously by the court and the registry.^F16]

Application for grants through solicitors or probate practitioners

[^F174.—(1) A person applying for a grant through a solicitor or probate practitioner, other than a grant listed in the Third Schedule, must apply using the online portal, unless invited to apply at a registry by that registry.

(2) A person applying through a solicitor or probate practitioner for a grant listed in the Third Schedule may apply either using the online portal, in accordance with instructions given through the online portal, or at any registry.

(3) An application using the online portal must be made in accordance with instructions given through the online portal, by completing and sending the online application form provided through the online portal and electronically paying the appropriate fee.

(4) Where original documents are required to be sent in support of an application using the online portal, these must be sent separately to the registry in accordance with instructions given through the online portal.

(5) Every solicitor and probate practitioner through whom an application for a grant is made must give the address of their place of business within England and Wales.^F17]

Online procedure for applications through solicitors or probate practitioners

^F184A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Personal applications_I3

5.—(1) A personal applicant may apply for a grant at any registry or sub-registry.

(2) Save as provided for by rule 39 a personal applicant may not apply through an agent, whether paid or unpaid, and may not be attended by any person acting or appearing to act as his adviser.

(3) No personal application shall be proceeded with if—

(a)it becomes necessary to bring the matter before the court by action or summons [^F19, unless a judge, district judge or registrar so permits^F19] ;

(b)an application has already been made by a solicitor [^F20or probate practitioner^F20] on behalf of the applicant and has not been withdrawn; or

(c)the [^F21district judge or^F21] registrar so directs.

(4) After a will has been deposited in a registry by a personal applicant, it may not be delivered to the applicant or to any other person unless in special circumstances the [^F22district judge or^F22] registrar so directs.

(5) A personal applicant shall produce a certificate of the death of the deceased or such other evidence of the death as [^F23required by instructions given by the registry or as^F23] the [^F24district judge or^F24] registrar may approve.

(6) A personal applicant shall supply all information necessary to enable the papers leading to the grant to be prepared [^F25as required by instructions given by the registry^F25] .

^F27(7) Unless the [^F26district judge or^F26] registrar otherwise directs, every ... affidavit required on a personal application shall be sworn or executed by all the deponents before an authorised officer.

(8) No legal advice shall be given to a personal applicant by an officer of a registry and every such officer shall be responsible only for embodying in proper form the applicant’s instructions for the grant.

[^F28(9) In any case where an application is made under rule 5ZA (online procedure for personal applications), this rule applies with the exceptions and modifications provided for by that rule.^F28]

[^F29(10) In any case where an application is made under rule 5A (alternative online procedure for personal applications), this rule applies with the exceptions and modifications provided for by that rule.^F29]

[^F30Online procedure for personal applications

5ZA.—(1) Without prejudice to rule 5A (alternative online [^F31procedure^F31] for personal applications), a personal applicant may make an application for a grant online using the online portal.

(2) An application under this rule must be made by completing and sending the online application form provided through the online portal and electronically paying the appropriate fee.

(3) Where an application is made under this rule, rule 5 applies with the following exceptions and modifications—

(a)paragraphs (1), (7) and (8) do not apply; and

(b) paragraphs (5) and (6) apply as if, for the words after “required by” there were substituted “the online application form”.

(4) Where original documents are required to be sent in support of the application, these must be sent separately in accordance with instructions given through the online portal.^F30]

[[^F32,F33Alternative online procedure for personal applications^F33]

5A.—(1) A personal applicant may apply for a grant at any registry under this rule if invited to do so by that registry.

(2) An application under this rule must be made by completing and sending an online application form [^F34(paying the appropriate fee electronically)^F34] in accordance with instructions given by the registry.

(3) Where an application is made under this rule, rule 5 applies with the following exceptions and modifications—

(a)paragraphs (1), (7) and (8) do not apply;

^F35(b). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(c) paragraph (6) applies as if for the words after “information” there were substituted “required by instructions given by the registry”.

^F36(4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(5) Where original documents are required by instructions given by the registry to be sent in support of the application, they must be sent separately to the registry in accordance with such instructions.^F32]

Personal applications using statement of truth

^F375B. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Duty of [^F38district judge or^F38] registrar on receiving application for grant_I4

6.—(1) A [^F39district judge or^F39] registrar shall not allow any grant to issue until all inquiries which he may see fit to make have been answered to his satisfaction.

(2) Except with the leave of a [^F40district judge or^F40] registrar, no grant of probate or of administration with the will annexed shall issue within seven days of the death of the deceased and no grant of administration shall issue within fourteen days thereof.

^F41Grants by ... registrars_I5

^F417.—(1) No grant shall be made by a ... registrar—

(a)in any case in which there is contention, until the contention is disposed of; or

(b)in any case in which it appears to him that a grant ought not to be made without the directions of a judge or a [^F42district judge^F42] .

^F41(2) In any case in which paragraph (1)(b) applies, the ... registrar shall send a statement of the matter in question to the Principal Registry for directions.

^F41(3) A [^F43district judge^F43] may either confirm that the matter be referred to a judge and give directions accordingly or may direct the ... to proceed with the matter in accordance with such instructions as are deemed necessary, which may include a direction to take no further action in relation to the matter.

[^F44Statement of truth^F44] in support of grant_I6

8.—(1) Every application for a grant other than one to which rule 39 applies shall be supported [^F45by—

(a)a statement of truth; and

(b)such other papers,

as required by the district judge, registrar or instructions given through the online portal.^F45]

(2) Unless otherwise directed by a [^F46district judge or^F46] registrar, [^F47the applicant must state in the application^F47] where the deceased died domiciled.

(3) Where the deceased died on or after 1st January 1926, [^F48the applicant must state in the application^F48] whether or not, to the best of the applicant’s knowledge, information and belief, there was land vested in the deceased which was settled previously to his death and not by his will and which remained settled land notwithstanding his death.

(4) On an application for a grant of administration [^F49the applicant must state in the application^F49] in what manner all persons having a prior right to a grant have been cleared off and whether any minority or life interest arises under the will or intestacy.

Grant in additional name_I7

9. Where it is sought to describe the deceased in a grant by some name in addition to his true name, the applicant [^F50must state in the application^F50] the true name of the deceased and shall specify some part of the estate which was held in the other name, or give any other reason for the inclusion of the other name in the grant.

[^F51Exhibition of wills^F51] _I8

10.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2) below, every will in respect of which an application for a grant is made—

^F52(a). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(b)shall be exhibited to any affidavit [^F53or witness statement^F53] which may be required under these Rules as to the validity, terms, condition or date of execution of the will.

^F55(2) The [^F54district judge or^F54] registrar may allow a facsimile copy of a will to be ... exhibited in lieu of the original document.

Engrossments for purposes of record_I9

11.—(1) Where the [^F56district judge or^F56] registrar considers that in any particular case a facsimile copy of the original will would not be satisfactory for purposes of record, he may require an engrossment suitable for facsimile reproduction to be lodged.

(2) Where a will—

(a)contains alterations which are not to be admitted to proof; or

(b)has been ordered to be rectified by virtue of section 20(1) of the Administration of Justice Act 1982(5),

there shall be lodged an engrossment of the will in the form in which it is to be proved.

(3) Any engrossment lodged under this rule shall reproduce the punctuation, spacing and division into paragraphs of the will and shall follow continuously from page to page on both sides of the paper.

Evidence as to due execution of will_I10

12.—(1) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3) below, where a will contains no attestation clause or the attestation clause is insufficient, or where it appears to the [^F57district judge or^F57] registrar that there is doubt about the due execution of the will, he shall before admitting it to proof require an affidavit [^F58or a witness statement^F58] as to due execution from one or more of the attesting witnesses or, if no attesting witness is conveniently available, from any other person who was present when the will was executed; and if the [^F57district judge or^F57] registrar, after considering the evidence, is satisfied that the will was not duly executed, he shall refuse probate and mark the will accordingly.

(2) If no affidavit [^F59or witness statement^F59] can be obtained in accordance with paragraph (1) above, the [^F57district judge or^F57] registrar may accept evidence on affidavit [^F60or by a witness statement^F60] from any person he may think fit to show that the signature on the will is in the handwriting of the deceased, or of any other matter which may raise a presumption in favour of due execution of the will, and may if he thinks fit require that notice of the application be given to any person who may be prejudiced by the will.

(3) A [^F57district judge or^F57] registrar may accept a will for proof without evidence as aforesaid if he is satisfied that the distribution of the estate is not thereby affected.

Execution of will of blind or illiterate testator_I11

13. Before admitting to proof a will which appears to have been signed by a blind or illiterate testator or by another person by direction of the testator, or which for any other reason raises doubt as to the testator having had knowledge of the contents of the will at the time of its execution, the [^F61district judge or^F61] registrar shall satisfy himself that the testator had such knowledge.

Evidence as to terms, condition and date of execution of will_I12

14.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2) below, where there appears in a will any obliteration, interlineation, or other alteration which is not authenticated in the manner prescribed by section 21 of the Wills Act 1837(6), or by the re-execution of the will or by the execution of a codicil, the [^F62district judge or^F62] registrar shall require evidence to show whether the alteration was present at the time the will was executed and shall give directions as to the form in which the will is to be proved.

(2) The provisions of paragraph (1) above shall not apply to any alteration which appears to the [^F62district judge or^F62] registrar to be of no practical importance.

(3) If a will contains any reference to another document in such terms as to suggest that it ought to be incorporated in the will, the [^F62district judge or^F62] registrar shall require the document to be produced and may call for such evidence in regard to the incorporation of the document as he may think fit.

(4) Where there is a doubt as to the date on which a will was executed, the [^F62district judge or^F62] registrar may require such evidence as he thinks necessary to establish the date.

Attempted revocation of will_I13

15. Any appearance of attempted revocation of a will by burning, tearing, or otherwise destroying and every other circumstance leading to a presumption of revocation by the testator, shall be accounted for to the [^F63district judge’s or^F63] registrar’s satisfaction.

[^F64Affidavit or witness statement as to due execution, terms, etc., of will

16. A district judge or registrar may require an affidavit or a witness statement from any person he may think fit for the purpose of satisfying himself as to any of the matters referred to in rules 13, 14 and 15, and in any such affidavit sworn or witness statement made by an attesting witness or other person present at the time of the execution of a will the deponent must depose to, or the maker of the witness statement must give evidence of, the manner in which the will was executed.^F64]

Wills proved otherwise than under section 9 of the Wills Act 1837 _I14

17.—(1) Rules 12 to 15 shall apply only to a will that is to be established by reference to section 9 of the Wills Act 1837 (signing and attestation of wills).

(2) A will that is to be established otherwise than as described in paragraph (1) of this rule may be so established upon the [^F65district judge or^F65] registrar being satisfied as to its terms and validity, and includes (without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing)—

(a)any will to which rule 18 applies; and

(b)any will which, by virtue of the Wills Act 1963(7), is to be treated as properly executed if executed according to the internal law of the territory or state referred to in section 1 of that Act.

Wills of persons on military service and seamen_I15

18. Where the deceased died domiciled in England and Wales and it appears to the [^F66district judge or^F66] registrar that there is prima facie evidence that a will is one to which section 11 of the Wills Act 1837 applies, the will may be admitted to proof if the [^F66district judge or^F66] registrar is satisfied that it was signed by the testator or, if unsigned, that it is in the testator’s handwriting.

Evidence of foreign law_I16

19. Where evidence as to the law of any country or territory outside England and Wales is required on any application for a grant, the [^F67district judge or^F67] registrar may accept—

(a)an affidavit [^F68or a witness statement^F68] from any person whom, having regard to the particulars of his knowledge or experience given in the affidavit [^F69or in the witness statement^F69] , he regards as suitably qualified to give expert evidence of the law in question; or

(b)a certificate by, or an act before, a notary practising in the country or territory concerned.

Order of priority for grant where deceased left a will_I17

20. Where the deceased died on or after 1 January 1926 the person or persons entitled to a grant in respect of a will shall be determined in accordance with the following order of priority, namely—

(a)the executor (but subject to rule 36(4)(d) below);

(b)any residuary legatee or devisee holding in trust for any other person;

(c)any other residuary legatee or devisee (including one for life) or where the residue is not wholly disposed of by the will, any person entitled to share in the undisposed of residue (including the Treasury Solicitor when claiming bona vacantia on behalf of the Crown), provided that—

(i)unless a [^F70district judge or^F70] registrar otherwise directs, a residuary legatee or devisee whose legacy or devise is vested in interest shall be preferred to one entitled on the happening of a contingency, and

(ii)where the residue is not in terms wholly disposed of, the [^F70district judge or^F70] registrar may, if he is satisfied that the testator has nevertheless disposed of the whole or substantially the whole of the known estate, allow a grant to be made to any legatee or devisee entitled to, or to share in, the estate so disposed of, without regard to the persons entitled to share in any residue not disposed of by the will;

(d)the personal representative of any residuary legatee or devisee (but not one for life, or one holding in trust for any other person), or of any person entitled to share in any residue not disposed of by the will;

(e)any other legatee or devisee (including one for life or one holding in trust for any other person) or any creditor of the deceased, provided that, unless a [^F71district judge or^F71] registrar otherwise directs, a legatee or devisee whose legacy or devise is vested in interest shall be preferred to one entitled on the happening of a contingency;

(f)the personal representative of any other legatee or devisee (but not one for life or one holding in trust for any other person) or of any creditor of the deceased.

Grants to attesting witnesses, etc _I18

21. Where a gift to any person fails by reason of section 15 of the Wills Act 1837(8), such person shall not have any right to a grant as a beneficiary named in the will, without prejudice to his right to a grant in any other capacity.

Order of priority for grant in case of intestacy_I19

22.—(1) Where the deceased died on or after 1 January 1926, wholly intestate, the person or persons having a beneficial interest in the estate shall be entitled to a grant of administration in the following classes in order of priority, namely—

(a)the surviving [^F72spouse or civil partner^F72] ;

(b)the children of the deceased and the issue of any deceased child who died before the deceased;

(c)the father and mother of the deceased;

(d)brothers and sisters of the whole blood and the issue of any deceased brother or sister of the whole blood who died before the deceased;

(e)brothers and sisters of the half blood and the issue of any deceased brother or sister of the half blood who died before the deceased;

(f)grandparents;

(g)uncles and aunts of the whole blood and the issue of any deceased uncle or aunt of the whole blood who died before the deceased;

(h)uncles and aunts of the half blood and the issue of any deceased uncle or aunt of the half blood who died before the deceased.

(2) In default of any person having a beneficial interest in the estate, the Treasury Solicitor shall be entitled to a grant if he claims bona vacantia on behalf of the Crown.

(3) If all persons entitled to a grant under the foregoing provisions of this rule have been cleared off, a grant may be made to a creditor of the deceased or to any person who, notwithstanding that he has no immediate beneficial interest in the estate, may have a beneficial interest in the event of an accretion thereto.

(4) Subject to paragraph (5) of rule 27, the personal representative of a person in any of the classes mentioned in paragraph (1) of this rule or the personal representative of a creditor of the deceased shall have the same right to a grant as the person whom he represents provided that the persons mentioned in sub-paragraphs (b) to (h) of paragraph (1) above shall be preferred to the personal representative of a spouse [^F73or a civil partner^F73] who has died without taking a beneficial interest in the whole estate of the deceased as ascertained at the time of the application for the grant.

Order of priority for grant in pre-1926 cases_I20

23. Where the deceased died before 1st January 1926, the person or persons entitled to a grant shall, subject to the provisions of any enactment, be determined in accordance with the principles and rules under which the court would have acted at the date of death.

Right of assignee to a grant_I21

24.—(1) Where all the persons entitled to the estate of the deceased (whether under a will or on intestacy) have assigned their whole interest in the estate to one or more persons, the assignee or assignees shall replace, in the order of priority for a grant of administration, the assignor or, if there are two or more assignors, the assignor with the highest priority.

(2) Where there are two or more assignees, administration may be granted with the consent of the others to any one or more (not exceeding four) of them.

(3) In any case where administration is applied for by an assignee the original instrument of assignment shall be produced and a copy of the same lodged in the registry.

Joinder of administrator_I22

25.—(1) A person entitled in priority to a grant of administration may, without leave, apply for a grant with a person entitled in a lower degree, provided that there is no other person entitled in a higher degree to the person to be joined, unless every other such person has renounced.

(2) Subject to paragraph (3) below, an application for leave to join with a person entitled in priority to a grant of administration a person having no right or no immediate right thereto shall be made to a [^F74district judge or^F74] registrar, and shall be supported by an affidavit [^F75or a witness statement^F75] by the person entitled in priority, the consent of the person proposed to be joined as administrator and such other evidence as the [^F74district judge or^F74] registrar may direct.

(3) Unless a [^F76district judge or^F76] registrar otherwise directs, there may without any such application be joined with a person entitled in priority to administration—

(a)any person who is nominated under paragraph (3) of rule 32 or paragraph (3) of rule 35;

(b)a trust corporation.

Additional personal representatives_I23

26.—(1) An application under section 114(4) of the Act to add a personal representative shall be made to a [^F77district judge or^F77] registrar and shall be supported by an affidavit [^F78or a witness statement^F78] by the applicant, the consent of the person proposed to be added as personal representative and such other evidence as the [^F77district judge or^F77] registrar may require.

(2) On any such application the [^F79district judge or^F79] registrar may direct that a note shall be made on the original grant of the addition of a further personal representative, or he may impound or revoke the grant or make such other order as the circumstances of the case may require.

Grants where two or more persons entitled in same degree_I24

27.[^F80—(1) Subject to paragraphs (1A), (2) and (3) below, where, on an application for probate, power to apply for a like grant is to be reserved to such other of the executors as have not renounced probate, notice of the application shall be given to the executor or executors to whom power is to be reserved; and, unless the district judge or registrar otherwise directs, [^F81the applicant must state in the application^F81] that such notice has been given.

(1A) Where power is to be reserved to executors who are ^F82... partners in a firm, ^F82... notice need not be given to them under paragraph (1) above if probate is applied for by another partner in that firm.^F80]

(2) Where power is to be reserved to partners of a firm, notice for the purposes of paragraph (1) above may be given to the partners by sending it to the firm at its principal or last known place of business.

(3) A [^F83district judge or^F83] registrar may dispense with the giving of notice under paragraph (1) above if he is satisfied that the giving of such a notice is impracticable or would result in unreasonable delay or expense.

(4) A grant of administration may be made to any person entitled thereto without notice to other persons entitled in the same degree.

(5) Unless a [^F84district judge or^F84] registrar otherwise directs, administration shall be granted to a person of full age entitled thereto in preference to a guardian of a minor, and to a living person entitled thereto in preference to the personal representative of a deceased person.

(6) A dispute between persons entitled to a grant in the same degree shall be brought by summons before a [^F85district judge or^F85] registrar.

[^F86(7) The issue of a summons under this rule in a registry shall be noted forthwith in the index of pending grant applications.^F86]

(8) If the issue of a summons under this rule is known to the [^F87district judge or^F87] registrar, he shall not allow any grant to be sealed until such summons is finally disposed of.

Exceptions to rules as to priority_I25

28.—(1) Any person to whom a grant may or is required to be made under any enactment shall not be prevented from obtaining such a grant notwithstanding the operation of rules 20, 22, 25 or 27.

(2) Where the deceased died domiciled outside England and Wales rules 20, 22, 25 or 27 shall not apply except in a case to which paragraph (3) of rule 30 applies.

Grants in respect of settled land

[^F88 29. —(1) In this rule “ settled land ” means land vested in the deceased which was settled prior to his death and not by his will, and which remained settled land notwithstanding his death.

(2) The person or persons entitled to a grant of administration limited to settled land shall be determined in accordance with the following order of priority:

(i)the special executors in regard to settled land constituted by section 22 of the Administration of Estates Act 1925;

(ii)the trustees of the settlement at the time of the application for the grant; and

(iii)the personal representatives of the deceased.

(3) Where there is settled land and a grant is made in respect of the free estate only, the grant shall expressly exclude the settled land.^F88]

Grants where deceased died domiciled outside England and Wales_I26

30.—(1) Subject to paragraph (3) below, where the deceased died domiciled outside England and Wales, [^F89a district judge or registrar may order that a grant, limited in such way as the district judge or registrar may direct,^F89] do issue to any of the following persons—

(a)to the person entrusted with the administration of the estate by the court having jurisdiction at the place where the deceased died domiciled; or

(b)where there is no person so entrusted, to the person beneficially entitled to the estate by the law of the place where the deceased died domiciled or, if there is more than one person so entitled, to such of them as the [^F90district judge or^F90] registrar may direct; or

(c)if in the opinion of the registrar the circumstances so require, to such person as the [^F90district judge or^F90] registrar may direct.

(2) A grant made under paragraph (1)(a) or (b) above may be issued jointly with such person as the [^F91district judge or^F91] registrar may direct if the grant is required to be made to not less than two administrators.

(3) Without any order made under paragraph (1) above—

(a)probate of any will which is admissible to proof may be granted—

(i)if the will is in the English or Welsh language, to the executor named therein; or

(ii)if the will describes the duties of a named person in terms sufficient to constitute him executor according to the tenor of the will, to that person; and

(b)where the whole or substantially the whole of the estate in England and Wales consists of immovable property, a grant in respect of the whole estate may be made in accordance with the law which would have been applicable if the deceased had died domiciled in England and Wales.

Grants to attorneys_I27

31.—(1) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3) below, the lawfully constituted attorney of a person entitled to a grant may apply for administration for the use and benefit of the donor, and such grant shall be limited until further representation be granted, or in such other way as the [^F92district judge or^F92] registrar may direct.

(2) Where the donor referred to in paragraph (1) above is an executor, notice of the application shall be given to any other executor unless such notice is dispensed with by the [^F93district judge or^F93] registrar.

[^F94(3) Where the donor referred to in paragraph (1) above lacks capacity within the meaning of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (c.9) and the attorney is acting under an enduring power of attorney or lasting power of attorney, the application shall be made in accordance with rule 35.^F94]

Grants on behalf of minors_I28

32.—(1) Where a person to whom a grant would otherwise be made is a minor, administration for his use and benefit, limited until he attains the age of eighteen years, shall, unless otherwise directed, and subject to paragraph (2) of this rule, be granted to

[^F95(a)a parent of the minor who has, or is deemed to have, parental responsibility for him in accordance with–

[^F96(i)section 2(1), 2(1A), 2(2), 2(2A), 4 or 4ZA of the Children Act 1989,^F96]

(ii)paragraph 4 or 6 of Schedule 14 to that Act, or

(iii)an adoption order within the meaning of section 12(1) of the Adoption Act 1976 [^F97or section 46(1) of the Adoption and Children Act 2002^F97] , or

[^F98(aa)a person who has, or is deemed to have, parental responsibility for the minor by virtue of section 12(2) of the Children Act 1989 where the court has made a [^F99child arrangements order under section 8 of that Act which names that person as a person with whom the minor is to live^F99] ; or^F98]

[^F100(ab)a step-parent of the minor who has parental responsibility for him in accordance with section 4A of the Children Act 1989; or^F100]

(b)a guardian of the minor who is appointed, or deemed to have been appointed, in accordance with section 5 of the Children Act 1989 or in accordance with paragraph 12, 13 or 14 of Schedule 14 to that Act^F95] ; [^F101or^F101]

[^F102(ba)a special guardian of the minor who is appointed in accordance with section 14A of the Children Act 1989; or

(bb)an adoption agency which has parental responsibility for the minor by virtue of section 25(2) of the Adoption and Children Act 2002; or^F102]

[^F103(c)a local authority which has, or is deemed to have, parental responsibility for the minor by virtue of section 33(3) of the Children Act 1989 where the court has made a care order under section 31(1)(a) of that Act in respect of the minor and that local authority is designated in that order;^F103]

provided that where the minor is sole executor and has no interest in the residuary estate of the deceased, administration for the use and benefit of the minor limited as aforesaid, shall, unless a [^F104district judge or^F104] registrar otherwise directs, be granted to the person entitled to the residuary estate.

[^F105(2) A district judge or registrar may by order appoint a person to obtain administration for the use and benefit of the minor, limited as aforesaid, in default of, or jointly with, or to the exclusion of, any person mentioned in paragraph (1) of this rule; and the person intended shall file an affidavit [^F106or a witness statement^F106] in support of his application to be appointed.^F105]

(3) Where there is only one person competent and willing to take a grant under the foregoing provisions of this rule, such person may, unless a [^F107district judge or^F107] registrar otherwise directs, nominate any fit and proper person to act jointly with him in taking the grant.

Grants where a minor is a co-executor_I29

33.—(1) Where a minor is appointed executor jointly with one or more other executors, probate may be granted to the executor or executors not under disability with power reserved to the minor executor, and the minor executor shall be entitled to apply for probate on attaining the age of eighteen years.

(2) Administration for the use and benefit of a minor executor until he attains the age of eighteen years may be granted under rule 32 if, and only if, the executors who are not under disability renounce or, on being cited to accept or refuse a grant, fail to make an effective application therefor.

Renunciation of the right of a minor to a grant_I30

34.—(1) The right of a minor executor to probate on attaining the age of eighteen years may not be renounced by any person on his behalf.

(2) The right of a minor to administration may be renounced only by a person [^F108appointed^F108] under paragraph (2) of rule 32, and authorised by the [^F109district judge or^F109] registrar to renounce on behalf of the minor.

Grants in case of [^F110lack of mental capacity^F110] _I31

35.—(1) Unless a [^F111district judge or^F111] registrar otherwise directs, no grant shall be made under this rule unless all persons entitled in the same degree as the [^F112person who lacks capacity within the meaning of the Mental Capacity Act 2005^F112] referred to in paragraph (2) below have been cleared off.

(2) Where a [^F111district judge or^F111] registrar is satisfied that a person entitled to a grant [^F113lacks capacity within the meaning of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 to manage^F113] his affairs, administration for his use and benefit, limited until further representation be granted or in such other way as the [^F111district judge or^F111] registrar may direct, may be granted in the following order of priority—

(a)to the person authorised by the Court of Protection to apply for a grant;

(b)where there is no person so authorised, to the lawful attorney of the [^F114person who lacks capacity within the meaning of the Mental Capacity Act 2005^F114] acting under a registered enduring power of attorney [^F115or lasting power of attorney^F115] ;

(c)where there is no such attorney entitled to act, or if the attorney shall renounce administration for the use and benefit of the [^F114person who lacks capacity within the meaning of the Mental Capacity Act 2005^F114] , to the person entitled to the residuary estate of the deceased.

(3) Where a grant is required to be made to not less than two administrators, and there is only one person competent and willing to take a grant under the foregoing provisions of this rule, administration may, unless a [^F111district judge or^F111] registrar otherwise directs, be granted to such person jointly with any other person nominated by him.

(4) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this rule, administration for the use and benefit of the [^F116person who lacks capacity within the meaning of the Mental Capacity Act 2005^F116] may be granted to such [^F117other person^F117] as the [^F111district judge or^F111] registrar may by order direct.

(5) [^F118Unless the applicant is the person authorised in paragraph (2)(a) above,^F118] notice of an intended application under this rule shall be given to the Court of Protection.

Grants to trust corporations and other corporate bodies_I32

36.—(1) An application for a grant to a trust corporation shall be made through one of its officers, and such officer [^F119must state in the application^F119] that the corporation is a trust corporation as defined by these Rules and that it has power to accept a grant.

(2) (a) Where the trust corporation is the holder of an official position, any officer whose name is included on a list filed with the [^F120senior district judge^F120] of persons authorised to make affidavits [^F121or witness statements^F121] and sign documents on behalf of the office holder may act as the officer through whom the holder of that official position applies for the grant.

(b)In all other cases a certified copy of the resolution of the trust corporation authorising the officer to make the application shall be lodged, or [^F122the application must include a statement^F122] that such certified copy has been filed with the [^F120senior district judge^F120] , that the officer is therein identified by the position he holds, and that such resolution is still in force.

(3) A trust corporation may apply for administration otherwise than as a beneficiary or the attorney of some person, and on any such application there shall be lodged the consents of all persons entitled to a grant and of all persons interested in the residuary estate of the deceased save that the [^F123district judge or^F123] registrar may dispense with any such consents as aforesaid on such terms, if any, as he may think fit.

(4) (a) Subject to sub-paragraph (d) below, where a corporate body would, if an individual, be entitled to a grant but is not a trust corporation as defined by these Rules, administration for its use and benefit, limited until further representation be granted, may be made to its nominee or to its lawfully constituted attorney.

(b)A copy of the resolution appointing the nominee or the power of attorney (whichever is appropriate) shall be lodged, and such resolution or power of attorney shall be sealed by the corporate body, or be otherwise authenticated to the [^F124district judge’s or^F124] registrar’s satisfaction.

(c)The nominee or attorney [^F125must state in the application^F125] that the corporate body is not a trust corporation as defined by these Rules.

(d)The provisions of paragraph (4)(a) above shall not apply where a corporate body is appointed executor jointly with an individual unless the right of the individual has been cleared off.

Renunciation of probate and administration_I33

37.—(1) Renunciation of probate by an executor shall not operate as renunciation of any right which he may have to a grant of administration in some other capacity unless he expressly renounces such right.

(2) Unless a [^F126district judge or^F126] registrar otherwise directs, no person who has renounced administration in one capacity may obtain a grant thereof in some other capacity.

[^F127(2A) Renunciation of probate or administration by members of a partnership—

(a)may be effected, or

(b)subject to paragraph (3) below, may be retracted by any two of them with the authority of the others and any such renunciation or retraction shall recite such authority.^F127]

(3) A renunciation of probate or administration may be retracted at any time with the leave of a [^F128district judge or^F128] registrar; provided that only in exceptional circumstances may leave be given to an executor to retract a renunciation of probate after a grant has been made to some other person entitled in a lower degree.

(4) A direction or order giving leave under this rule may be made either by the registrar of a district probate registry where the renunciation is filed or by a [^F129district judge^F129] .

Notice to Crown of intended application for grant_I34

38. In any case in which it appears that the Crown is or may be beneficially interested in the estate of a deceased person, notice of intended application for a grant shall be given by the applicant to the Treasury Solicitor, and the [^F130district judge or^F130] registrar may direct that no grant shall issue within 28 days after the notice has been given.

Resealing under Colonial Probates Acts 1892 and 1927_I35

39.—(1) An application under the Colonial Probates Acts 1892 and 1927(9) for the resealing of probate or administration granted by the court of a country to which those Acts apply may be made by the person to whom the grant was made or by any person authorised in writing to apply on his behalf.

(2) On any such application an Inland Revenue affidavit or account shall be lodged.

(3) Except by leave of a [^F131district judge or^F131] registrar, no grant shall be resealed unless it was made to such a person as is mentioned in sub-paragraph (a) or (b) of paragraph (1) of rule 30 or to a person to whom a grant could be made under sub-paragraph (a) of paragraph (3) of that rule.

(4) No limited or temporary grant shall be resealed except by leave of a [^F132district judge or^F132] registrar.

(5) Every grant lodged for resealing shall include a copy of any will to which the grant relates or shall be accompanied by a copy thereof certified as correct by or under the authority of the court by which the grant was made, and where the copy of the grant required to be deposited under subsection (1) of section 2 of the Colonial Probates Act 1892 does not include a copy of the will, a copy thereof shall be deposited in the registry before the grant is resealed.

(6) The [^F133district judge or^F133] registrar shall send notice of the resealing to the court which made the grant.

(7) Where notice is received in the Principal Registry of the resealing of a grant issued in England and Wales, notice of any amendment or revocation of the grant shall be sent to the court by which it was resealed.

Application for leave to sue on guarantee_I36

40. An application for leave under section 120(3) of the Act or under section 11(5) of the Administration of Estates Act 1971(10) to sue a surety on a guarantee given for the purposes of either of those sections shall, unless the [^F134district judge or^F134] registrar otherwise directs under rule 61, be made by summons to a [^F134district judge or^F134] registrar and notice of the application shall be served on the administrator, the surety and any co-surety.

Amendment and revocation of grant_I37

41.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2) below, if a [^F135district judge or^F135] registrar is satisfied that a grant should be amended or revoked he may make an order accordingly.

(2) Except on the application or with the consent of the person to whom the grant was made, the power conferred in paragraph (1) above shall be exercised only in exceptional circumstances.

Certificate of delivery of Inland Revenue affidavit_I38

42. Where the deceased died before 13th March 1975 the certificate of delivery of an Inland Revenue affidavit required by section 30 of the Customs and Inland Revenue Act 1881(11) to be borne by every grant shall be in Form 1.

Standing searches_I39

43.[^F136—(1) Any person who wishes to be notified of the issue of a grant may enter a standing search for the grant [^F137by—

(a)lodging at any registry or sub-registry;

(b)sending by post to any registry or sub-registry; or

(c)sending by electronic means (paying the appropriate fee electronically) to any registry or sub-registry using an address provided for the purpose,^F137]

a notice in Form 2.^F136]

(2) A person who has entered a standing search will be sent an office copy of any grant which corresponds with the particulars given on the completed Form 2 and which—

(a)issued not more than twelve months before the entry of the standing search; or

(b)issues within a period of six months after the entry of the standing search.

(3) (a) Where an applicant wishes to extend the said period of six months, he or his solicitor [^F138or probate practitioner^F138] may lodge at, or send by post [^F139or by electronic means (paying the appropriate fee electronically) using an address provided for the purpose,^F139] to, [^F140the registry or sub-registry at which the standing search was entered^F140] written application for extension.

(b)An application for extension as aforesaid must be lodged, or received by post [^F141or electronic means^F141] , within the last month of the said period of six months, and the standing search shall thereupon be effective for an additional period of six months from the date on which it was due to expire.

(c)A standing search which has been extended as above may be further extended by the filing of a further application for extension subject to the same conditions as set out in sub-paragraph (b) above.

Caveats_I40

44.—(1) Any person who wishes to show cause against the sealing of a grant may enter a caveat in any registry or sub-registry, and the [^F142district judge or^F142] registrar shall not allow any grant to be sealed (other than a grant ad colligenda bona or a grant under section 117 of the Act) if he has knowledge of an effective caveat; provided that no caveat shall prevent the sealing of a grant on the day on which the caveat is entered.

(2) Any person wishing to enter a caveat (in these Rules called “the caveator”), or a solicitor [^F143 or probate practitioner ^F143] on his behalf, may effect entry of a caveat—

(a)by completing Form 3 in the appropriate book at any registry or sub-registry; or

(b)[^F144 by—

(i)sending by post at the caveator’s own risk; or

(ii)sending by electronic means at the caveator’s own risk (paying the appropriate fee electronically) using an address provided for the purpose,^F144]

a notice in Form 3 to any registry or sub-registry and the proper officer shall provide an acknowledgement of the entry of the caveat.

(3) (a) Except as otherwise provided by this rule or by rules 45 or 46, a caveat shall be effective for a period of six months from the date of entry thereof, and where a caveator wishes to extend the said period of six months, he or his solicitor [^F145or probate practitioner^F145][^F146 may—

(i)lodge at;

(ii)send by post to; or

(ii)send by electronic means (paying the appropriate fee electronically) using an address provided for the purpose, to^F146]

the registry or sub-registry at which the caveat was entered a written application for extension.

(b)An application for extension as aforesaid must be lodged, or received by post [^F147or by electronic means^F147] , within the last month of the said period of six months, and the caveat shall thereupon (save as otherwise provided by this rule) be effective for an additional period of six months from the date on which it was due to expire.

(c)A caveat which has been extended as above may be further extended by the filing of a further application for extension subject to the same conditions as set out in sub-paragraph (b) above.

[^F148 (4) An index of caveats entered in any registry or sub-registry shall be maintained and upon receipt of an application for a grant, the registry or sub-registry at which the application is made shall cause a search of the index to be made and the appropriate district judge or registrar shall be notified of the entry of a caveat against the sealing of a grant for which the application has been made.^F148]

(5) Any person claiming to have an interest in the estate may cause to be issued from the [^F149nominated registry^F149] a warning in Form 4 against the caveat, and the person warning shall state his interest in the estate of the deceased and shall require the caveator to give particulars of any contrary interest in the estate; and the warning or a copy thereof shall be served on the caveator forthwith.

(6) A caveator who has no interest contrary to that of the person warning, but who wishes to show cause against the sealing of a grant to that person, may within [^F15014^F150] days of service of the warning upon him (inclusive of the day of such service), or at any time thereafter if no affidavit [^F151or witness statement^F151] has been filed under paragraph (12) below, issue and serve a summons for directions.

(7) On the hearing of any summons for directions under paragraph (6) above the [^F152district judge or^F152] registrar may give a direction for the caveat to cease to have effect.

(8) Any caveat in force when a summons for directions is issued shall remain in force until the summons has been disposed of unless a direction has been given under paragraph (7) above [^F153or until it is withdrawn under paragraph (11) below^F153] .

(9) The issue of a summons under this rule shall be notified forthwith to the [^F154nominated registry^F154] .

^F158(10) A caveator having an interest contrary to that of the person warning may within [^F15514^F155] days of service of the warning upon him (inclusive of the day of such service) or at any time thereafter if no affidavit [^F156or witness statement^F156] has been filed under paragraph (12) below, enter an appearance in the [^F157nominated registry^F157] by filing Form 5 ...; and he shall serve forthwith on the person warning a copy of Form 5 sealed with the seal of the court.

(11) A caveator who has not entered an appearance to a warning may at any time withdraw his caveat by giving notice at the registry or sub-registry at which it was entered, and the caveat shall thereupon cease to have effect; and, where the caveat has been so withdrawn, the caveator shall forthwith give notice of withdrawal to the person warning.

(12) If no appearance has been entered by the caveator or no summons has been issued by him under paragraph (6) of this rule, the person warning may at any time after [^F15914^F159] days of service of the warning upon the caveator (inclusive of the day of such service) file an affidavit [^F160or a witness statement^F160] in the [^F161nominated registry^F161] as to such service and the caveat shall thereupon cease to have effect provided that there is no pending summons under paragraph (6) of this rule.

(13) Unless a [^F162district judge ^F163... a registrar^F162] by order made on summons otherwise directs, any caveat in respect of which an appearance to a warning has been entered shall remain in force until the commencement of a probate action.

(14) Except with the leave of a [^F164district judge^F164][^F165 or registrar^F165] , no further caveat may be entered by or on behalf of any caveator whose caveat is either in force or has ceased to have effect under paragraphs (7) or (12) of this rule or under rule 45(4) or rule 46(3).

[^F166 (15) In this rule, “ nominated registry ” means the registry nominated for the purpose of this rule by the senior district judge or in the absence of any such nomination the Leeds District Probate Registry. ^F166]

Probate actions_I41

45.—(1) Upon being advised by the court concerned of the commencement of a probate action the [^F167senior district judge^F167] shall give notice of the action to every caveator other than the plaintiff in the action in respect of each caveat that is in force.

(2) In respect of any caveat entered subsequent to the commencement of a probate action the [^F168senior district judge^F168] shall give notice to that caveator of the existence of the action.

(3) Unless a [^F169district judge^F169] [^F170or registrar^F170] by order made on summons otherwise directs, the commencement of a probate action shall operate to prevent the sealing of a grant (other than a grant under section 117 of the Act) until application for a grant is made by the person shown to be entitled thereto by the decision of the court in such action.

(4) Upon such application for a grant, any caveat entered by the plaintiff in the action, and any caveat in respect of which notice of the action has been given, shall cease to have effect.

Citations_I42

46.—(1) Any citation may issue from the Principal Registry or a district probate registry and shall be settled by a [^F171district judge or^F171] registrar before being issued.

(2) Every averment in a citation, and such other information as the [^F172 district judge or ^F172] registrar may require, shall be verified by an affidavit sworn [^F173 or a witness statement made ^F173] by the person issuing the citation (in these Rules called the “citor”), provided that the [^F172 district judge or ^F172] registrar may in special circumstances accept an affidavit sworn [^F173 or a witness statement made ^F173] by the citor’s solicitor [^F174 or probate practitioner ^F174] .

(3) The citor shall enter a caveat before issuing a citation and, unless a [^F175district judge^F175][^F176 or registrar^F176] by order made on summons otherwise directs, any caveat in force at the commencement of the citation proceedings shall, unless withdrawn pursuant to paragraph (11) of rule 44, remain in force until application for a grant is made by the person shown to be entitled thereto by the decision of the court in such proceedings, and upon such application any caveat entered by a party who had notice of the proceedings shall cease to have effect.

(4) Every citation shall be served personally on the person cited unless the [^F177district judge or^F177] registrar, on cause shown by affidavit [^F178or witness statement^F178] , directs some other mode of service, which may include notice by advertisement.

(5) Every will referred to in a citation shall be lodged in a registry before the citation is issued, except where the will is not in the citor’s possession and the [^F179district judge or^F179] registrar is satisfied that it is impracticable to require it to be lodged.

(6) A person who has been cited to appear may, within eight days of service of the citation upon him (inclusive of the day of such service), or at any time thereafter if no application has been made by the citor under paragraph (5) of rule 47 or paragraph (2) of rule 48, enter an appearance in the registry from which the citation issued by filing Form 5 and shall forthwith thereafter serve on the citor a copy of Form 5 sealed with the seal of the registry.

Citation to accept or refuse or to take a grant_I43

47.—(1) A citation to accept or refuse a grant may be issued at the instance of any person who would himself be entitled to a grant in the event of the person cited renouncing his right thereto.

(2) Where power to make a grant to an executor has been reserved, a citation calling on him to accept or refuse a grant may be issued at the instance of the executors who have proved the will or the survivor of them or of the executors of the last survivor of deceased executors who have proved.

(3) A citation calling on an executor who has intermeddled in the estate of the deceased to show cause why he should not be ordered to take a grant may be issued at the instance of any person interested in the estate at any time after the expiration of six months from the death of the deceased, provided that no citation to take a grant shall issue while proceedings as to the validity of the will are pending.

(4) A person cited who is willing to accept or take a grant may, after entering an appearance, apply ex parte by affidavit [^F180or witness statement^F180] to a [^F181district judge or^F181] registrar for an order for a grant to himself.

(5) If the time limited for appearance has expired and the person cited has not entered an appearance, the citor may—

(a)in the case of a citation under paragraph (1) of this rule, apply to a [^F182district judge or^F182] registrar for an order for a grant to himself;

(b)in the case of a citation under paragraph (2) of this rule, apply to a [^F182district judge or^F182] registrar for an order that a note be made on the grant that the executor in respect of whom power was reserved has been duly cited and has not appeared and that all his rights in respect of the executorship have wholly ceased; or

(c)in the case of a citation under paragraph (3) of this rule, apply to a [^F182district judge or^F182] registrar by summons (which shall be served on the person cited) for an order requiring such person to take a grant within a specified time or for a grant to himself or to some other person specified in the summons.

(6) An application under the last foregoing paragraph shall be supported by an affidavit [^F183or a witness statement^F183] showing that the citation was duly served.

(7) If the person cited has entered an appearance but has not applied for a grant under paragraph (4) of this rule, or has failed to prosecute his application with reasonable diligence, the citor may—

(a)in the case of a citation under paragraph (1) of this rule, apply by summons to a [^F184district judge or^F184] registrar for an order for a grant to himself;

(b)in the case of a citation under paragraph (2) of this rule, apply by summons to a [^F184district judge or^F184] registrar for an order striking out the appearance and for the endorsement on the grant of such a note as is mentioned in sub-paragraph (b) of paragraph (5) of this rule; or

(c)in the case of a citation under paragraph (3) of this rule, apply by summons to a [^F184district judge or^F184] registrar for an order requiring the person cited to take a grant within a specified time or for a grant to himself or to some other person specified in the summons;

and the summons shall be served on the person cited.

Citation to propound a will_I44

48.—(1) A citation to propound a will shall be directed to the executors named in the will and to all persons interested thereunder, and may be issued at the instance of any citor having an interest contrary to that of the executors or such other persons.

(2) If the time limited for appearance has expired, the citor may—

(a)in the case where no person has entered an appearance, apply to a [^F185district judge or^F185] registrar for an order for a grant as if the will were invalid and such application shall be supported by an affidavit [^F186or a witness statement^F186] showing that the citation was duly served; or

(b)in the case where no person who has entered an appearance proceeds with reasonable diligence to propound the will, apply to a [^F185district judge or^F185] registrar by summons, which shall be served on every person cited who has entered an appearance, for such an order as is mentioned in paragraph (a) above.

Address for service_I45

49. All caveats, citations, warnings and appearances shall contain an address for service in England and Wales.

Application for order to attend for examination or for subpoena to bring in a will_I46

50.—(1) An application under section 122 of the Act for an order requiring a person to attend for examination may, unless a probate action has been commenced, be made to a [^F187district judge or^F187] registrar by summons which shall be served on every such person as aforesaid.

(2) An application under section 123 of the Act for the issue by a [^F188district judge or^F188] registrar of a subpoena to bring in a will shall be supported by an affidavit [^F189or a witness statement^F189] setting out the grounds of the application, and if any person served with the subpoena denies that the will is in his possession or control he may file an affidavit to that effect in the registry from which the subpoena issued.

Grants to part of an estate under section 113 of the Act_I47

51. An application for an order for a grant under section 113 of the Act to part of an estate may be made to a [^F190district judge or^F190] registrar, and shall be supported by an affidavit [^F191or a witness statement^F191] setting out the grounds of the application, and

(a)stating whether the estate of the deceased is known to be insolvent; and

(b)showing how any person entitled to a grant in respect of the whole estate in priority to the applicant has been cleared off.

Grants of administration under discretionary powers of court, and grants ad colligenda bona_I48

52. An application for an order for—

(a)a grant of administration under section 116 of the Act; or

(b)a grant of administration ad colligenda bona,

may be made to a [^F192district judge or^F192] registrar and shall be supported by an affidavit [^F193or a witness statement^F193] setting out the grounds of the application.

[^F194Applications for leave to swear or give evidence as to death^F194] _I49

53. An application for leave to swear [^F195or give evidence as^F195] to the death of a person in whose estate a grant is sought may be made to a [^F196district judge or^F196] registrar, and shall be supported by an affidavit [^F197or a witness statement^F197] setting out the grounds of the application and containing particulars of any policies of insurance effected on the life of the presumed deceased together with such further evidence as the [^F196district judge or^F196] registrar may require.

Grants in respect of nuncupative wills and copies of wills_I50

54.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2) below, an application for an order admitting to proof a nuncupative will, or a will contained in a copy or reconstruction thereof where the original is not available, shall be made to a [^F198district judge or^F198] registrar.

(2) In any case where a will is not available owing to its being retained in the custody of a foreign court or official, a duly authenticated copy of the will may be admitted to proof without the order referred to in paragraph (1) above.

(3) An application under paragraph (1) above shall be supported by an affidavit [^F199or a witness statement^F199] setting out the grounds of the application, and by such evidence on affidavit [^F200or by a witness statement^F200] as the applicant can adduce as to—

(a)the will’s existence after the death of the testator or, where there is no such evidence, the facts on which the applicant relies to rebut the presumption that the will has been revoked by destruction;

(b)in respect of a nuncupative will, the contents of that will; and

(c)in respect of a reconstruction of a will, the accuracy of that reconstruction.

(4) The [^F198district judge or^F198] registrar may require additional evidence in the circumstances of a particular case as to due execution of the will or as to the accuracy of the copy will, and may direct that notice be given to persons who would be prejudiced by the application.

Application for rectification of a will_I51

55.—(1) An application for an order that a will be rectified by virtue of section 20(1) of the Administration of Justice Act 1982(12) may be made to a [^F201district judge or^F201] registrar, unless a probate action has been commenced.

(2) The application shall be supported by an affidavit [^F202or a witness statement^F202] , setting out the grounds of the application, together with such evidence as can be adduced as to the testator’s intentions and as to whichever of the following matters as are in issue:—

(a)in what respects the testator’s intentions were not understood; or

(b)the nature of any alleged clerical error.

(3) Unless otherwise directed, notice of the application shall be given to every person having an interest under the will whose interest might be prejudiced [^F203, or such other person who might be prejudiced,^F203] by the rectification applied for and any comments in writing by any such person shall be exhibited to the affidavit [^F204or witness statement^F204] in support of the application.

(4) If the [^F201district judge or^F201] registrar is satisfied that, subject to any direction to the contrary, notice has been given to every person mentioned in paragraph (3) above, and that the application is unopposed, he may order that the will be rectified accordingly.

Notice of election by surviving spouse [^F205or civil partner^F205] to redeem life interest_I52

56.—(1) Where a surviving spouse [^F206or civil partner^F206] who is the sole or sole surviving personal representative of the deceased is entitled to a life interest in part of the residuary estate and elects under section 47A of the Administration of Estates Act 1925(13) to have the life interest redeemed, he may give written notice of the election to the [^F207senior district judge^F207] in pursuance of subsection (7) of that section by filing a notice in Form 6 in the Principal Registry or in the district probate registry from which the grant issued.

(2) Where the grant issued from a district probate registry, the notice shall be filed in duplicate.

(3) A notice filed under this rule shall be noted on the grant and the record and shall be open to inspection.

[^F208Index of grant applications

57.—(1) The senior district judge shall maintain an index of every pending application for a grant made in any registry or sub-registry.

(2) Every registry or sub-registry in which an application is made shall cause the index to be searched and shall record the result of the search.^F208]

Inspection of copies of original wills and other documents_I53

58. An original will or other document referred to in section 124 of the Act shall not be open to inspection if, in the opinion of a [^F209district judge or^F209] registrar, such inspection would be undesirable or otherwise inappropriate.

Issue of copies of original wills and other documents_I54

59. Where copies are required of original wills or other documents deposited under section 124 of the Act, such copies may be facsimile copies sealed with the seal of the court and issued either as office copies or certified under the hand of a [^F210district judge or^F210] registrar to be true copies.

[^F211Costs

60. —(1) Order 62 of the Rules of the Supreme Court 1965 shall not apply to costs in non-contentious probate matters, and Parts 43, 44 (except rules 44.9 to 44.12), 47 and 48 of the Civil Procedure Rules 1998 (“the 1998 Rules”) shall apply to costs in those matters, with the modifications contained in paragraphs (3) to (7) of this rule.

(2) Where detailed assessment of a bill of costs is ordered, it shall be referred—

(a)where the order was made by a district judge, to a district judge, a costs judge or an authorised court officer within rule 43.2(1)(d)(iii) or (iv) of the 1998 Rules;

(b)where the order was made by a registrar, to that registrar or, where this is not possible, in accordance with sub-paragraph (a) above.

(3) Every reference in Parts 43, 44, 47 and 48 of the 1998 Rules to a district judge shall be construed as referring only to a district judge of the Principal Registry.

(4) The definition of “costs officer” in rule 43.2(1)(c) of the 1998 Rules shall have effect as if it included a paragraph reading—

“(iv)a district probate registrar.”

(5) The definition of “authorised court officer” in rule 43.2(1)(d) of the 1998 Rules shall have effect as if paragraphs (i) and (ii) were omitted.

(6) Rule 44.3(2) of the 1998 Rules (costs follow the event) shall not apply.

(7) Rule 47.4(2) of the 1998 Rules shall apply as if after the words “Supreme Court Costs Office” there were inserted “, the Principal Registry of the Family Division or such district probate registry as the court may specify”.

(8) Except in the case of an appeal against a decision of an authorised court officer (to which rules 47.20 to 47.23 of the 1998 Rules apply), an appeal against a decision in assessment proceedings relating to costs in non-contentious probate matters shall be dealt with in accordance with the following paragraphs of this rule.

(9) An appeal within paragraph (8) above against a decision made by a district judge, a costs judge (as defined by rule 43.2(1)(b) of the 1998 Rules) or a registrar, shall lie to a judge of the High Court.

(10) Part 52 of the 1998 Rules applies to every appeal within paragraph (8) above, and any reference in Part 52 to a judge or a district judge shall be taken to include a district judge of the Principal Registry of the Family Division.

(11) The 1998 Rules shall apply to an appeal to which Part 52 or rules 47.20 to 47.23 of those Rules apply in accordance with paragraph (8) above in the same way as they apply to any other appeal within Part 52 or rules 47.20 to 47.23 of those Rules as the case may be; accordingly the Rules of the Supreme Court 1965 and the County Court Rules 1981 shall not apply to any such appeal.^F211]

Power to require applications to be made by summons_I55

61.—(1) [^F212Subject to rule 7(2),^F212] a [^F213district judge or^F213] registrar may require any application to be made by summons to a registrar in chambers or a judge in chambers or open court.

(2) An application for an inventory and account shall be made by summons to a [^F213district judge or^F213] registrar.

(3) A summons for hearing by a [^F213district judge or^F213] registrar shall be issued out of the registry in which it is to be heard.

(4) A summons to be heard by a judge shall be issued out of the Principal Registry.

[^F214(5) Where an application is required under this rule to be made by summons, a district judge or registrar may—

(a)give directions (which may be given before listing the application);

(b)hold a hearing of the application, and receive evidence, by telephone or by using any other method of direct oral communication.

(6) A direction under paragraph (5) may be made subject to conditions, and may specify the consequences of failure to comply with the direction or a condition.^F214]

Transfer of applications_I56

62. A registrar to whom any application is made under these Rules may order the transfer of the application to another [^F215district judge or^F215] registrar having jurisdiction.

[^F216Exercise of a registrar’s jurisdiction by another registrar

62A. A registrar may hear and dispose of an application under these Rules on behalf of any other registrar by whom the application would otherwise have been heard, if that other registrar so requests or an application in that behalf is made by a party making an application under these Rules; and where the circumstances require it, the registrar shall, without the need for any such request or application, hear and dispose of the application.^F216]

Power to make orders for costs_I57

^F21763. On any application dealt with by him on summons, the ... registrar shall have full power to determine by whom and to what extent the costs are to be paid.

Exercise of powers of judge during Long Vacation_I58

64. All powers exercisable under these Rules by a judge in chambers may be exercised during the Long Vacation by a [^F218district judge^F218] .

Appeals from [^F219district judges or^F219] registrars_I59

65.—(1) An appeal against a decision or requirement of a [^F220district judge or^F220] registrar shall be made by summons to a judge.

(2) If, in the case of an appeal under the last foregoing paragraph, any person besides the appellant appeared or was represented before the registrar from whose decision or requirement the appeal is brought, the summons shall be issued within seven days thereof for hearing on the first available day and shall be served on every such person as aforesaid.

[^F221(3) This rule does not apply to an appeal against a decision in proceedings for the assessment of costs.^F221]

Service of summons_I60

66.—(1) A judge or [^F222district judge^F222] or, where the application is to be made to a district probate registrar, that registrar, may direct that a summons for the service of which no other provision is made by these Rules shall be served on such person or persons as the [^F223judge, district judge or registrar^F223] [^F224may direct^F224] .

(2) Where by these Rules or by any direction given under the last foregoing paragraph a summons is required to be served on any person, it shall be served not less than two clear days before the day appointed for the hearing, unless a judge or [^F225district judge or^F225] registrar at or before the hearing dispenses with service on such terms, if any, as he may think fit.

Notices, etc. _I61

67. Unless a [^F226district judge or^F226] registrar otherwise directs or these Rules otherwise provide, any notice or other document required to be given to or served on any person may be given or served in the manner prescribed by Order 65 Rule 5 of the Rules of the Supreme Court 1965(14)

Application to pending proceedings_I62

68. Subject in any particular case to any direction given by a judge or [^F227district judge or^F227] registrar, these Rules shall apply to any proceedings which are pending on the date on which they come into force as well as to any proceedings commenced on or after that date.

Revocation of previous rules_I63

69.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2) below, the rules set out in the Second Schedule are hereby revoked.

(2) The rules set out in the Second Schedule shall continue to apply to such extent as may be necessary for giving effect to a direction under rule 68.

Rule 2(2)

FIRST SCHEDULE FORMS _I64

Rule 42

FORM 1 certificate of delivery of inland revenue affidavit

Rule 43(1)

^F228FORM 2 standing search

Rule 44(2)

^F229,F230FORM 3 caveat

Rule 44(5)

^{F231,F232,F233,F234}FORM 4 warning to caveator

Rules 44(10), 46(6)

^F235FORM 5 appearance to warning or citation

Rule 56

^F236,F237FORM 6 notice of election to redeem life interest

Rule 69

SECOND SCHEDULE REVOCATIONS _I65

[^F238THIRD SCHEDULE EXCEPTIONS TO THE REQUIREMENT TO USE THE ONLINE PORTAL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR GRANTS MADE THROUGH SOLICITORS OR PROBATE PRACTITIONERS

Rule 4

• A grant of administration including a grant of administration with will annexed.

• A second grant of probate in respect of the same estate.

• A grant where the person entitled has been convicted of murder or manslaughter of the deceased or has otherwise forfeited the right to apply.

• A grant in respect of a foreign will.

• A grant accompanied by an application to prove a copy of the will.

• A grant, where all those entitled are deceased, to any of their legal personal representatives.

• A grant accompanied by an application for rectification or fiat copy of the will.

• A grant under rule 25 (Joinder of administrator).

• A grant under rule 27 (Grants where two or more persons entitled in same degree).

• A grant under rule 30 (Grants where deceased died domiciled outside England and Wales), except a grant under rule 30(3)(b).

• A grant under rule 31 (Grants to attorneys).

• A grant under rule 36 (Grants to trust corporations and other corporate bodies).

• A grant under rule 39 (Resealing under Colonial Probates Acts 1892 and 1927).

• A grant under rule 52 (Grants of administration under discretionary powers of court, and grants ad colligenda bona).^F238]