Updated October 2026 · Fraser Bond
Legal · Probate
How to search probate records
GOV.UKprobate search
Willsbecome public
Caveatto pause a grant
Propertyin the estate
In short: In England and Wales, once a grant of probate or letters of administration is issued, the will and grant become public records. You can search for them online through GOV.UK and order copies for a small fee. If no grant has been issued yet, there will be nothing to find. To find a will before probate, ask the family, the deceased's solicitor or bank, or a will registration service. Fraser Bond can value, let or sell property for executors.
How to search
1
Search GOV.UKUse the "search probate records" service with the person's name and date of death.
2
Order copiesOrder the grant and will if available.
3
Check who is executorThe grant names the people dealing with the estate.
4
Contact themWrite to the executor or their solicitor if you have a claim or interest.
No grant found?
Probate may not have been applied for yet, or wasn't needed.
Caveat
Stops a grant being issued for a period while concerns are raised.
Property
Executors usually need a grant to sell a property in the deceased's sole name.
Joint owners
Jointly owned property may pass automatically to the survivor.
Executors: we can help
- Probate valuations
- Securing and managing an empty property
- Letting while the estate is settled
- Selling with careful progression
Frequently asked questions
Are wills public in the UK?
Yes, once a grant of probate is issued.
How long does probate take?
It varies, often several months.
Can I sell a property before probate?
You can market it, but the sale usually can't complete until the grant is issued.
Can Fraser Bond value an estate property?
Yes.
Dealing with a property in an estate?
Get a probate valuation or advice on letting or selling.
Get a free valuationSpeak to our team
