Disputes
Probate caveats: stopping a grant while a dispute is investigated
A caveat can prevent a grant being issued while a dispute about entitlement to a grant or the will is addressed. It does not decide the dispute.
When a caveat may be relevant
HMCTS identifies disputes about who can apply, whether a will exists and whether it is legally valid. A caveat initially lasts six months and can be extended. It can lead to litigation and costs, so it should not be used simply to put pressure on an executor.
How the application is made
The official service permits an online application or a postal application using PA8A. Names and the date of death need to be accurate so the entry can be matched to the estate. Use the current HMCTS page for the fee, address and requirements.
A caveat is not a financial-provision claim
An allegation that a will is invalid is different from saying a valid will fails to provide reasonably for an eligible person. A caveat does not extend the separate time limit for an Inheritance Act claim. Ask a contentious probate solicitor which procedure fits the issue.
If a warning or other court document arrives
Do not ignore it or assume the six-month caveat period gives you six months to respond. Obtain advice on the document and its deadline immediately. Keep the envelope, email and any proof of when it arrived. A response can affect how the dispute proceeds and who bears costs.
England and Wales. Sources checked 15 September 2026. General information, not advice on your circumstances. Fees, forms and the law can change; check the linked official source before acting. Other jurisdictions have different rules.