Jersey probate services

Jersey probate (also called 'letters of administration' where there is no will) will be required for persons who die domiciled in a foreign jurisdiction when the total value of the assets held in Jersey exceeds £10,000.

If a person dies domiciled in England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man or Guernsey and a grant of probate or equivalent has been obtained in that jurisdiction the fast-track probate application can be used.

Where the deceased died domiciled outside of England and Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man, Guernsey and Jersey we will require the following documentation:

• Confirmation of the deceased’s domicile is required in the first instance. Once we have this information we are able to confirm exactly what paperwork is required.

Jersey probate checklist

As a guide we will generally require the following:

1. The original will dealing with the deceased’s Jersey assets, if there is one
2. If there is no will dealing with the Jersey assets, a copy of any other wills executed by the deceased
3. If probate has been obtained in the deceased’s country of domicile then we will require a court sealed and court certified copy of the grant issued by the probate registry in the country of domicile of the deceased
4. An original, or certified copy of, the death certificate
5. A copy of the bank statement, valuation or related documentation to confirm the value of the assets in Jersey at date of death
6. Payment of the probate court fee. This fee is calculated on a sliding scale and is based on the value of the net estate in Jersey as at the date of death. We can calculate this fee for you once we have details of the value of the assets in Jersey
7. A power of attorney which will need to be signed by the executor or administrator in favour of Hawksford executors limited. This will allow us to appear at the probate registry in Jersey on the executors or administrators behalf and proceed with the application for probate. We will draft this document for you
8. An oath that will need to be signed by Hawksford as attorney on behalf of the administrator or executor. Again, we will prepare this document for you
9. In some cases an affidavit of foreign law. Once we have the above information and documentation we will be able to confirm whether this will be required
10. If any of the documents referred to above are in a foreign language then an official translation of the documents will also be required
11. Our client due diligence form duly completed by the executor together with client identification, being a certified copy of the applicant’s passport and a utility bill or bank statement dated within the last three months showing the applicant’s current residential address.

Once all the above information has been collated we will attend at the Probate Registry in Jersey on behalf of the executor or administrator to make the application for probate. It is following this appointment that a full Jersey grant of probate is issued.

We may require further information or documentation. We take care to ensure that each matter is reviewed on a case by case basis and will notify you promptly of any other requirements.

We offer a competitive fee structure and will be pleased to provide you with a fixed price quotation for your application.

The information above is intended to be a general guide. Please do not hesitate to call or email us to arrange a free consultation to discuss how we can assist you with your probate application.

This guide should not be considered as a substitute for specific legal advice. It should be noted that the contents of this guide relate only to individuals domiciled outside of England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man, Guernsey and Jersey.