Form PA15: Give Up Probate Executor Rights

What is PA15 renunciation (will)?

Form PA15 is a renunciation. An executor named in a will (or a residuary legatee and devisee in trust) signs it to give up their right to apply for probate and to administer the estate. It lets another executor, or someone else entitled, apply instead. It applies in England and Wales, and giving up your rights this way is permanent.

The form asks for the name, last address and date of death of the person who died, the date of the will and of any codicils, your own name, address and email, and whether you are the sole executor or one of several. You then sign it as a deed in front of an independent witness, who signs and prints their name.

FileIt asks each question in plain English, checks the dates make sense, fills the letter-by-letter boxes for you (including accented names such as Ł or Ș) and prints everything into HMCTS's own PA15 PDF. You sign it by hand with your witness and give it to the executor who is applying. FileIt never sends it anywhere.

Who fills it: An executor named in the will who doesn't want to act
Given to: The executor who is applying for probate
Where: England and Wales (Probate Registry)
Signatures: Signed as a deed by you, and by an independent witness
Edition: PA15 Renunciation (Will) (11.24)
Help: Probate helpline 0300 303 0648, Monday to Friday 9am to 1pm

Who needs to fill out PA15 renunciation (will)?

An executor named in a will who doesn't want to take on the job of dealing with the estate.
One of several executors who is happy for the others to apply for probate without them.
A sole executor who wants someone else entitled under the will to apply instead.
A residuary legatee and devisee in trust (the person named to receive the rest of the estate) giving up their right to apply.
Not for someone who wants to appoint an attorney to act for them instead. GOV.UK says not to use this form in that case.

When to use PA15 renunciation (will)

After the death, once you've decided you won't act as executor, and before the person applying submits their probate application.
Only if you haven't been involved in the estate's finances since the death. The declaration says you have not intermeddled in the estate.
Once. Renouncing is permanent, so be sure before you sign.

What you need before you start

The full name of the person who died, exactly as on the death certificate, and their last address.
The date of death.
The date of the will, and the date of any codicil (an addition to the will signed by the person who died and two witnesses).
Your full name, address and email address.
Whether you are the only executor named in the will or one of several.
An independent witness: someone not related to you who has no interest in the estate.

What’s on PA15 renunciation (will)

The 2024 edition has 3 pages. FileIt asks for it in 4 parts, and it is signed by Executor giving up their rights and Independent witness:

The person who has died (1-6)Executor giving up their rights
You, the person giving up your rights (7-8)Executor giving up their rights
Declaration (9)Executor giving up their rights
Independent witnessIndependent witness

How to fill out PA15 renunciation (will), step by step

1 The person who has died (questions 1 to 6)

Give their forenames (including all middle names) and surname exactly as they appear on the death certificate, their address, the date of death and the date of the will. If there are codicils, give each one's date; the form has room for three.

2 About you (questions 7 and 8)

Give your full name, address and email address. The name and email go in rows of letter boxes, which FileIt fills for you. Then say whether you are a sole executor and/or residuary legatee and devisee (in trust), or one of the executors.

3 Declaration (question 9)

By signing you declare that you have not intermeddled in the estate and will not do so with intent to defraud creditors, and that you renounce all your right and title to probate and letters of administration with will annexed, and to carrying out the will and any codicil. The form explains that not intermeddling means you've never been involved in the person's financial affairs since their death.

4 Signing and the witness

Sign the form as a deed by hand in front of an independent witness. The witness signs, prints their name and the form is dated. The witness must not be related to you and must have no interest in the estate.

Common mistakes to avoid

Using PA15 when you really want someone to act for you as your attorney. That needs a different route.
Spelling the name of the person who died differently from the death certificate.
Getting the will or codicil dates wrong, or leaving out a codicil.
Having a relative or a beneficiary witness your signature. The witness must be independent.
Signing after you've already dealt with the estate's money. The declaration says you have not intermeddled.
Posting it to the court yourself. GOV.UK says to give the completed form to the executor who's applying for probate.

After you fill it out

Print the form and check every page. Sign it by hand in front of your independent witness, and have them sign, print their name and date it.

Give the completed form to the executor who is applying for probate. They include it with their application. FileIt doesn't send it anywhere.

Keep a copy in your FileIt vault alongside the will and death certificate. If you have questions, the probate helpline is 0300 303 0648, Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm.

Fill out PA15 renunciation (will) online with FileIt

Pick the person. Choose someone from People and FileIt fills in their name, date of birth, address and other details it already knows.
Answer plain-language questions. One part of the form at a time, with the official help text beside each question — 36 fields in all. Your answers save as you go.
Check the live preview. Watch your answers land on the real HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) — Probate Registry, High Court Family Division form, and let FileIt do any worksheet arithmetic.
Generate the official PDF. FileIt prints your answers into the agency’s own PDF and files it in that person’s folder in your vault. Sign it, or send it for e-signature.

FileIt fills the form — it never files or submits anything for you. Deliver the finished form to whoever asked for it, the way the form’s instructions say.

Start PA15 renunciation (will) now — it’s free

PA15 renunciation (will): frequently asked questions

What does renouncing probate mean?

It means giving up, permanently, your right to act as executor and to apply for probate, so that someone else can apply. PA15 is the form for doing this when there is a will.

Can I change my mind after renouncing?

GOV.UK describes giving up your responsibility and role this way as permanent, so only sign once you're sure.

Who can witness form PA15?

An independent witness: someone who is not related to you and has no interest in the estate. They watch you sign, then sign and print their name.

Where do I send the PA15?

You don't send it to the court. GOV.UK says to give the completed form to the executor who is applying for probate.

What if there is a codicil?

Give the date of each codicil in question 6. A codicil is an addition to the will signed by the person who died and two witnesses.

Can I use PA15 to let someone act on my behalf?

No. GOV.UK says not to use this form if you intend to appoint an attorney.

Does FileIt submit the form?

No. FileIt prepares the official PA15 PDF with your answers printed in. You sign it with your witness and hand it to the applying executor.

Official sources

Blank form (PDF), published by HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) — Probate Registry, High Court Family Division: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6731eb962cccb48648badaee/PA15_1124.pdf
Official instructions and guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/form-pa15-give-up-probate-executor-rights
Edition shown on this page: PA15 Renunciation (Will) (11.24) (checked 2026-09-28).

FileIt is not affiliated with or endorsed by HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) — Probate Registry, High Court Family Division or any government. This page explains the form in general terms and is not legal, tax or immigration advice. Always read the official instructions, and check that you are using the edition the recipient accepts. Page last reviewed 2026-09-28.