PA14 Medical Certificate Assessments

When Do You Need a PA14 Assessment?

A PA14 Assessment is required when the named executor or administrator of a will no longer has the

mental capacity to carry out that role. This most commonly arises in the following situations:

• The named executor has dementia and can no longer manage financial or legal decisions.
• The named executor has experienced a stroke or brain injury that has affected their ability to understand and process information.
• The named executor has a severe mental health condition that affects their capacity to act.
• The named executor previously had capacity when probate began but has since lost it

It is important to note that if the executor simply no longer wishes to act — but still has mental capacity — a PA14 is not required. 

If you are unsure whether a PA14 applies to your

situation, our free consultation will clarify this for you with no obligation.

Why Choose Understanding Care Needs?

We are an independent, specialist provider of PA14 assessments — not a GP surgery, not a

hospital, and not affiliated with any care provider. This independence means you receive an

honest, objective assessment with no conflicts of interest.

Qualified and registered professionals. 

All of our assessors are qualified social workers,

fully registered with Social Work England. We are specifically trained in the Mental Capacity

Act 2005 and produce assessments structured exactly as the Probate Registry expects to

see them.

Accepted by the Probate Registry. 

Our PA14 assessments and subsequent medical certificates are completed in full compliance

with HMCTS requirements, giving you confidence that your probate application will not be

delayed or rejected on the basis of the medical certificate.

Prompt turnaround. 

We understand that probate matters are often time-sensitive. From

initial consultation to completed certificate, most cases are turned around within one week.

Nationwide coverage. 

We operate across the whole of England and Wales, with particular

strength and swift response times across the Midlands — including Lincolnshire,

Nottinghamshire, Staffordshire, Worcestershire, Leicestershire, Shropshire, Rutland, and

Derbyshire.

My GP has refused — can you still help? 

Yes. Registered social workers are fully

 authorised to complete the PA14 under HMCTS guidelines. A GP refusal does not prevent probate from proceeding. 

We have designed our service to be as straightforward and stress-free as possible during

what is often a difficult time.

• Step 1 — Free 30-minute consultation We start with a no-obligation telephone consultation to understand your situation, confirm that a PA14 is the right route, and make sure no better alternative is available to you. If our service is not the right fit, we will tell you honestly and point you in the right direction.

• Step 2 — PA14 Assessment appointment One of our qualified social workers will visit the individual at their home or care setting to conduct a formal mental capacity assessment in line with the Mental Capacity Act 2005. The assessment typically takes around one hour and is carried out with sensitivity and care.

• Step 3 — Completed PA14 certificate and report following the assessment, we produce the signed PA14 Medical Certificate along with a detailed supporting report. This report documents the basis for our conclusions and is structured to meet the evidential requirements of the Probate Registry.

• Step 4 — Submission ready we provide you with everything you need to submit to the Probate Registry, and are available to answer any follow-up questions from your probate solicitor if required.

Areas We Cover

We provide PA14 assessments across the whole of England and Wales. While our service is

truly nationwide, we have particular strength and presence across the Midlands, allowing us

to offer swift response times and in-depth local knowledge across: Lincolnshire | Nottinghamshire | Staffordshire | Worcestershire | Leicestershire | Shropshire | Rutland | Derbyshire

If you are unsure whether we cover your area, please get in touch — we will always do our

best to help.

Pricing

Our PA14 assessment and certificate service starts from £450, with the final fee confirmed

at the point of consultation based on your specific circumstances and location. There are no

hidden charges — we are transparent about costs from the outset.

This fee covers the in-person mental capacity assessment, the completed PA14 Medical

Certificate, and the supporting written report.