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What Is a PA14 Probate Mental Capacity Assessment?
The PA14 form is required by the Probate Registry when there are concerns about a person’s mental capacity in relation to estate administration. It provides the court with clear, independent evidence of whether someone has the capacity to understand and make decisions about probate matters.
A PA14 assessment follows the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and applies the functional test first — assessing whether the individual can understand, retain, use or weigh, and communicate the information needed to deal with probate and estate affairs.
At Nellie Supports, our specialist team conducts PA14 assessments with both legal precision and a compassionate, person-centred approach. Each assessment is carefully tailored to the person’s needs, ensuring their abilities are fairly considered and documented in a way that meets court requirements.
Why Families Choose Nellie Supports
We don’t just complete the PA14 medical certificate — we carry out a full, MCA-compliant mental capacity assessment and produce a detailed narrative report. This combination offers strong, defensible evidence to executors, solicitors and the Probate Registry.
Your assessment will be conducted by a suitably qualified, experienced professional (e.g. social worker, clinician) trained in mental capacity law and probate matters. Their work is backed by our full-time multidisciplinary team, ensuring peer review and consistency.
We understand that probate matters often carry urgency. Our in-house structure means less delay — you benefit from a stable team, not a one-off appointment.
We offer clear, fixed fees (no hidden extras) and full guidance throughout the process — so you and your solicitor can proceed confidently, knowing the assessment is solid and legally acceptable.
We provide PA14 and probate capacity assessments across England & Wales, meeting in person or using remote methods where appropriate.
When, Where, Who & How Much — Your Probate Capacity Questions Answered
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When You’ll Need a PA14 / Probate Capacity Assessment
You should consider a probate mental capacity assessment when:
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An executor or solicitor requires clear evidence of capacity to complete the PA14 medical certificate
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There is doubt about whether the deceased had capacity at the time of making a will or other testamentary act
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A will is being challenged and capacity must be supported by independent assessment
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Medical records alone are ambiguous or insufficient for probate authorities
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The Probate Registry or courts request independent capacity evidence
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Where We Conduct the Assessment
We carry out probate capacity assessments across England & Wales. Wherever possible, we arrange to meet in a setting comfortable for the individual or relevant parties (e.g. in a care home, solicitor’s office, or family residence). In appropriate cases, we may use remote interviews or follow-up sessions to clarify documents or statements.
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Who Can Conduct It & What Sets Us Apart
Valid PA14 / probate capacity assessments must be conducted by suitably qualified and experienced professionals, such as:
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Registered social workers with MCA expertise
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Medical doctors (e.g. GPs, psychiatrists, consultants)
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Occupational therapists with capacity assessment experience
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Suitably qualified practitioners with backgrounds in psychology, clinical assessment or cognitive evaluation
At Nellie Supports, our assessments are conducted by full-time, in-house professionals specialising in capacity law and forensic evaluation. This means your assessment benefits not only from individual expertise, but also from institutional oversight, peer review, and consistency. Because our team is stable and committed long-term, delays are minimised and continuity is assured.
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Cost / Pricing
Our PA14 / Probate Mental Capacity Assessment is priced at £496.00 (exclusive of VAT and assessor travel).
This includes:
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The full structured assessment (interviews, collateral information, documentation review)
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Completion of the PA14 medical certificate, plus a narrative, MCA-compliant capacity report suitable for probate use
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Peer review and quality assurance to ensure legal robustness
If the case involves complex medical history, multiple decision points, or requires additional expert input, we will provide a clear, written fee estimate in advance. You will always receive a written fee confirmation before any work begins.
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.
Case Study: Supporting a Family When Executor Capacity Was in Doubt
When Mrs A was named as executor of her late husband’s estate, her family’s solicitor raised concerns about her ability to manage the role due to advancing dementia. Before probate could be granted, the Probate Registry required independent confirmation of her capacity through a completed PA14 form. Without this evidence, the estate administration faced delay and uncertainty.
Attempts to engage Mrs A's GP failed. The solicitor needed a clear, court-ready report to confirm whether Mrs A had the capacity to act, so that the estate could move forward without risk of challenge.
How Nellie Supports Helped
The solicitor instructed Nellie Supports to carry out the assessment. A qualified assessor with expertise in probate and testamentary capacity was appointed, and a home visit was arranged at a time convenient for Mrs A and her family.
The assessment was conducted in line with the 2024 Functional Test, focusing on whether Mrs A could understand, retain, use or weigh, and communicate the information needed to act as executor. The process was tailored to her needs, with extra time and supportive communication methods to ensure fairness.
Following the assessment, the PA14 form was completed and supported with a detailed narrative report. As with all our work, the report was internally reviewed for accuracy and legal compliance before being securely delivered to the solicitor.
The Outcome
The Probate Registry accepted the PA14 and supporting report, which confirmed that Mrs A did not have the capacity to act as executor. The solicitor was then able to promptly apply for an alternative executor, ensuring the estate could be administered without further delay or dispute.
Key Takeaway
Probate cannot proceed when there are concerns about an executor’s capacity. By instructing Nellie Supports, solicitors and families receive a clear, independent PA14 assessment — providing the robust evidence required by the Probate Registry to avoid delays and protect the interests of the estate.
Expert Insights on Probate Capacity
Explore our articles on probate and testamentary capacity, covering common challenges, practical guidance, and expert advice for solicitors, executors, and families navigating the PA14 process.
