PA14 Probate Medical Certificate
When applying for probate, the Probate Registry may require a PA14 Medical Certificate to confirm whether the deceased had mental capacity when making or altering their will. At Nellie Supports, we go beyond simply completing the form. We carry out a full MCA 2005-compliant mental capacity assessment and issue a detailed report alongside the PA14 certificate.
This ensures families, solicitors, and executors have the robust evidence needed to prevent challenges and safeguard the estate from disputes.
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Why Financial Capacity Assessments Matter
Probate cases are often highly sensitive, with grieving families facing complex legal processes. Where questions of capacity arise, a simple PA14 certificate alone can be vulnerable if contested.
By commissioning both the PA14 and a narrative mental capacity assessment, you strengthen your case with evidence that meets both the letter of the law and the scrutiny of the courts. This dual approach offers:
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Protection against probate disputes and will challenges.
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Clear evidence for executors, banks, and the Probate Registry.
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Peace of mind for families that a loved one’s wishes will be respected.
When, Who & How Much – Your PA14 Questions Answered
We know that arranging a PA14 Probate Medical Certificate can feel daunting, especially at a time when you may already be dealing with grief and complex estate matters. To make things simpler, we’ve pulled together the three key things most people want to know straight away — when you’ll need a PA14, who can complete it, and what it costs.
When You Need a PA14 Probate Medical Certificate
You will typically need a PA14 if:
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The Probate Registry requests confirmation of mental capacity.
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A will was made or amended late in life and capacity is in question.
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There are concerns about potential family disputes over the estate.
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A solicitor, executor, or bank requires formal evidence of capacity.
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You want to strengthen your application by providing both a PA14 certificate and a full assessment report, reducing the risk of future challenges.
Who Can Complete a PA14?
The Probate Registry will only accept a PA14 if it is completed by an appropriately qualified health or social care professional with expertise and experience in assessing mental capacity. This may include a registered social worker, a doctor (such as a GP, psychiatrist, or consultant), or another suitably qualified professional.
At Nellie Supports, every PA14 is completed and signed by a professional who meets these requirements. Alongside this, our wider team brings specialist training in the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and extensive experience in assessing decision-specific capacity across a wide range of probate and Court of Protection cases.
This ensures your evidence is both:
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Legally valid and accepted by the Probate Registry.
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Robust enough to withstand scrutiny if the will or estate is ever challenged.
PA14 Assessment Costs – Clear, Transparent Pricing
A combined PA14 Probate Medical Certificate and full MCA 2005-compliant capacity assessment report costs £496.00.
This fee includes:
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A face-to-face assessment by a qualified health or social care professional.
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A detailed written report explaining how the Mental Capacity Act test has been applied.
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Completion of the PA14 form in line with Probate Registry requirements.
All prices are exclusive of VAT and travel, and your fee is always confirmed in writing before the assessment takes place.
Is A Formal Diagnosis Required?
No Requirement for a Formal Diagnosis
A formal medical diagnosis is not required when completing a PA14 Probate Medical Certificate. The law focuses on functionality — whether the person could make or amend their will — not on diagnostic labels such as dementia or mental illness.
At Nellie Supports, we strengthen our evidence by using internationally recognised cognitive screening tools, including the MoCA (Montreal Cognitive Assessment). All of our assessors are qualified MoCA practitioners, trained to administer and interpret the test accurately.
The MoCA provides structured, objective evidence of cognitive function, which we then combine with a full MCA 2005-compliant capacity assessment. This ensures your PA14 certificate and accompanying report are backed by:
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Robust cognitive data, not just observation.
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Professional judgement linking impairment to decision-making.
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Court-ready evidence that stands up if the will is ever challenged.
By blending legal expertise with validated clinical tools, we deliver assessments that go beyond the minimum Probate Registry requirements, giving solicitors, executors, and families peace of mind.
Legal and Procedural Clarity
The Mental Capacity Act 2005 sets out a clear functional test for capacity.
To determine incapacity, two elements must be established:
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Functional Test – The person must be shown to be unable to:
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Understand the information relevant to making a will.
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Retain that information long enough to make a decision.
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Use or weigh that information as part of the decision-making process.
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Communicate their decision in any form.
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Causal Nexus – There must be evidence that this inability arises because of an impairment or disturbance in the functioning of the mind or brain. Without this causal link, incapacity cannot be confirmed.
At Nellie Supports, our PA14 assessments combine both elements: we apply the statutory functional test under the MCA 2005 and document the causal connection between impairment and decision-making.
All of our written reports are also prepared in line with Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) Part 35, ensuring they are court-ready, clearly reasoned, and suitable as expert evidence in contested probate proceedings. This means your PA14 certificate and accompanying report are not only valid for the Probate Registry but also strong enough to stand up in civil litigation if the will is ever challenged.
Case Law Support
Although the PA14 form is probate-specific, the courts consistently apply the Mental Capacity Act 2005 framework when questions of capacity arise. Case law provides important guidance on how assessments should be conducted and evidenced:
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Banks v Goodfellow [1870] – The foundational test for testamentary capacity, requiring a person to understand the nature of making a will, the extent of their property, and the claims of those who might expect to benefit. While this applies to will-making, its principles of decision-specific, functional understanding also inform how executor capacity is considered.
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Key v Key [2010] EWHC 408 (Ch) – A will was set aside where the testator, recently bereaved and suffering cognitive decline, lacked the ability to make rational estate decisions. This case highlights the need to consider both capacity and vulnerability in probate contexts, particularly when decisions about estates are made under emotional stress.
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A Local Authority v JB [2021] UKSC 52 – The Supreme Court reaffirmed that capacity is always decision-specific and should focus on functionality, not diagnostic labels.
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North Bristol NHS Trust v R [2023] EWCOP 5 – Confirmed there is no requirement for a formal medical diagnosis; capacity can be assessed without one, as long as functional evidence of impairment is clearly documented.
Together, these cases reinforce why every PA14 completed by Nellie Supports is supported by a full MCA 2005-compliant capacity assessment and a CPR 35-compliant expert report. This ensures your evidence not only meets the Probate Registry’s requirements but also withstands scrutiny if the estate is ever contested.
Our Process – Step by Step
Call Us to Discuss Your Needs
Get in touch with our team to discuss your situation. We’ll explain the PA14 process, answer any questions, and confirm what evidence is needed.
Book a Face-to-Face Appointment
We arrange a convenient appointment, usually at the person’s home, with one of our health or social care professionals trained in capacity law and cognitive assessment (including MoCA).
Assessment and Report Writing
Our assessor completes a full MCA 2005-compliant capacity assessment alongside the PA14 form. We then prepare a CPR 35-compliant report, ensuring that both documents are court-ready and robust if challenged.
Report Delivered Within 10–14 Days
Within 10–14 days, you’ll receive your signed PA14 certificate and detailed report. For urgent probate cases, we also offer expedited turnaround to help executors and solicitors meet tight deadlines.
Areas we cover
Nellie Supports provides PA14 Probate Medical Certificates and capacity assessments across the whole of the United Kingdom.
Our nationwide team offers:
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Home visits in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
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Remote assessments via secure video call, where appropriate.
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Court-ready documentation suitable for submission to the Probate Registry, banks, and solicitors.
We are regularly instructed by:
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Solicitors and probate practitioners seeking robust evidence to protect estates.
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Executors and personal representatives applying for probate where capacity is in doubt.
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Families wanting to reduce the risk of disputes or challenges to a loved one’s will.
For related situations, we also provide:
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Testamentary Capacity Assessments – confirming capacity to make or amend a will.
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COP3 Mental Capacity Assessments – required for Court of Protection deputyship and other orders.
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Capacity to Manage Finances Assessments – often needed for activating LPAs or protecting against financial abuse.
Case Study: Supporting a Family When Executor Capacity Was in Doubt
When Mrs L., a woman in her fifties, sustained an acquired brain injury following a road traffic accident, her decision-making abilities were significantly affected. Sadly, her mother later passed away without updating her will, leaving Mrs L. named as executor of the estate. Her son, acting as her attorney under a Lasting Power of Attorney, stepped forward to manage the probate process.
Despite his authority, the Probate Registry required a PA14 Probate Medical Certificate to confirm that Mrs L. lacked the capacity to act as executor. Hoping to resolve the matter quickly, he approached his mother’s GP. After weeks of calls and follow-ups, no appointment was secured, and the practice eventually declined to complete the PA14 form. Seeking an alternative, he contacted the local authority social care team, but they also refused to assist, citing resource restrictions and policies preventing involvement in private probate applications.
With probate stalled, rising stress, and no qualified professional available to complete the documentation, he turned to Nellie Supports. The same day, he was connected with a dedicated assessment coordinator who gathered background information and arranged consent. A health and social care professional with expertise in probate capacity was assigned, and a home visit was scheduled within days.
During the visit, the assessor carried out a full MCA 2005-compliant capacity assessment, supported by the MoCA cognitive screening tool, to evidence Mrs L.’s functional limitations. A detailed narrative report was prepared, clearly linking her acquired brain injury to her inability to act as executor. Alongside this, the PA14 form was completed in full and underwent internal peer review to ensure compliance with both probate and expert evidence standards.
Within ten working days, the family received both the signed PA14 certificate and a CPR 35-compliant report, giving the Probate Registry the clarity it required. The application was accepted without dispute, enabling Mrs L.’s son to administer his grandmother’s estate with confidence.
This case highlights the barriers families face when relying solely on statutory services for urgent probate documentation. Delays, refusals, and unclear accountability can derail estate administration at a critical time. By turning to a dedicated private provider like Nellie Supports, families gain a fast, reliable, and court-ready solution, reducing stress and ensuring their loved one’s wishes are respected.
Why Choose Nellie Supports?
Choosing the right professionals to assess mental capacity is vital. At Nellie Supports, we combine expertise, empathy, and efficiency to make the process as smooth as possible. Our multidisciplinary team includes registered social workers, nurses, and specialists who bring decades of combined experience in capacity law and practice. Every assessment is conducted with compassion and clarity, always tailored to the person’s unique circumstances.
Experience peace of mind with our comprehensive social work services at Nellie Supports. Our team of registered and experienced professionals is dedicated to providing exceptional care and support. From mental capacity assessments to a wide range of social work services—such as EHCP appeals, life expectancy reports, and ongoing consultancy—our experts ensure accurate evaluations, personalised guidance, and the highest standards of practice.
We understand how important these decisions are, whether you’re planning for the future or responding to urgent legal requirements. That’s why our reports are consistently prepared to the highest standards, fully compliant with the Mental Capacity Act 2005, and accepted by courts and solicitors across England and Wales.
With a 4.9-star rating from clients nationwide, prompt response times, and a commitment to clear communication at every step, Nellie Supports is trusted by families, deputies, and professionals alike.
