Probate in Northern Ireland follows a very similar to the process in England and Wales, but there are some important differences.
Probate in Northern Ireland is administered by the Northern Ireland Courts Service. A very helpful information booklet produced by the Courts Service is available by clicking here.
Probate may be required if the estate is worth more than £10,000, and initial enquiries and forms can be obtained from the national HMRC probate helpline on 0845 302 0900.
If there is a Will
If the deceased lived in Northern Ireland and you are named as an executor in their Will, you may apply in person by appointment at the appropriate office, and you do not have to use a solicitor. A personal application can be made at:
Probate Office
Royal Courts of Justice
Chichester Street
Belfast
BT1 3JF
If the deceased lived in Counties Fermanagh, Londonderry or Tyrone, applications can either be made in Belfast, or at:
District Probate Registry
The Courthouse
Bishop Street
Londonderry
BT48 6PY
If there is no Will
If there is no Will, a personal application can only be made if the next of kin lives in the UK. Otherwise a solicitor must be used.
To find a solicitor in Northern Ireland, visit the Law Society Northern Ireland website.