Stopping a probate application (caveat)

You can enter a caveat, if there’s a dispute about things like:

• who can apply for probate
• whether a valid Will exists

A caveat lasts six months and can be renewed anytime within one month of its expiration (for example, if the caveat is due to run out on 11 November, it can be renewed anytime between 11 October and 11 November).

During this period a caveat can be extended by giving written notification to the Probate Office during normal operational hours and payment of the appropriate fee.

A caveat that has been entered through the probate portal can be extended through the portal up to one week before the expiry date. After this time the caveat can be extended but this must be by giving written notice to the Probate Office during normal operational hours and payment of the appropriate fee.

How to enter a caveat

To enter a caveat you must be aged 18 years old or over, and you can do it yourself or by using a solicitor. You can find legal advice and information at the following link: 

• Find legal advice

To apply for a caveat, you’ll need:

• the full name of the person who died, including any other names they were known by
• the date and place of death
• last address of the person who has died
• a home address in Northern Ireland
• the court fee

Information the court fee for probate can be found at this link:

• Court Fees

Or, you can fill in a form to enter a caveat and post it to or take it to the Probate Office:

• Probate forms and guidance

More information

Enter a caveat by post

You can also apply by post by filling in the suitable downloadable form:

• Apply to stop a grant of probate (caveat) form (NIPF3 )