Applying for Probate in Jersey

Applying for probate in Jersey can differ slightly based on whether or not the deceased has his or her domicile in Jersey. Find out how to apply for the legal right to deal with someone’s estate from our lawyers in Jersey.

In addition to estate and probate matters, we can also answer questions that have to do with a Jersey trust, in the context of dealing with personal assets, and in other situations.

The grant of probate in Jersey

Obtaining the legal right to deal with the estate of a deceased individual is called applying for probate in Jersey. Two situations are possible:

• The person left a will in which the grant of probate is issued for an appointed individual;
• The person died without leaving a will, in which case the individual will receive letters of administration.

Consequently, applying for probate in Jersey is only possible when the deceased has left a valid will. However, a grant of probate, or the letters of administration for that matter, do not apply for dealing with immovable property, only with movable (or personal) estate.

Applying for probate in Jersey is subject to further requirements, such as the impossibility to administer the estate in certain cases when the worldwide estate is worth more than GBP 30,000.

Before making an application for a grant of probate, it is advisable to verify if an exemption may be in place (see below) and if you are an executor who has been named in a will. If you are the closest living relative and there is no will, our team can give you details.

At the same time, the grant of probate in Jersey is only available in non-contentious cases, such as when there are no family disputes over the estate. Our lawyers in Jersey can give you specialised assistance otherwise.

General steps when applying for probate in Jersey

The application process is handled by the person who is the named executor in the will. This person will have to gather essential documents, such as:

• The original will left by the deceased;
• The original death certificate, or the interim death certificate;
• The official confirmation of the value of the assets (bank statements or official bank letters can be used);
• The official confirmation of any owed debts;
• Identification documents for the executor and a recent utility bill or bank statement to confirm the executor’s address.

Applying for probate in Jersey is done through a different submission when the deceased did not have his or her domicile in the Bailiwick. In this case, it is common to use the services of a local team of lawyers, such as our experts.

Are you looking for different solutions, perhaps related to company formation in Jersey? You are welcome to reach out with your questions (including those related to the costs of company formation in Jersey) for our local incorporation specialists and/or for our lawyers.

Exemptions from probate

Applying for probate in Jersey may not be required in all cases, such as:

• For small estates, such as when the gross value of the movable assets does not exceed £30,000;
• In the case of assets that are jointly owned (in joint names).

When the situations above apply, the beneficiary will fill in the form for probate exemption in Jersey.

Examples of Jersey probate registry fees

Some of the probate registry fees are listed below by our team. Please keep in mind that these can be subject to change:

• £107 for the first Billet in the cause;
• £670 for when the court fixes a special day for the hearing;
• £40 for sealed and certified copies, as may be required;
• £107 for a document lodged with the Greffe, including the will.

The list above refers to the stamp duty that applies in each mentioned situations. Do keep in mind that the list is not exhaustive and the Jersey Courts may decide to change the fees.

To find out more about the grant of probate in Jersey, do not hesitate to contact us.