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:
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.
Pricing
Our PA14 assessment and certificate service starts from £350, 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.
See a full explanation of our costs here.
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.
If you need a PA14 Medical Certificate for probate, we are here to help. Our free 30-minute
consultation is the best starting point — it costs nothing, carries no obligation, and will give
you a clear picture of your options.
For further reading, visit our blog for helpful guides including what to do when your GP
refuses to sign the PA14 and a full explanation of what the PA14 form is and when you need
it.
1. What is a PA14 Medical Probate Certificate?
A PA14 Medical Probate Certificate is a document completed by a health or social care professional confirming that an individual lacks the mental capacity to act as an executor of a deceased person’s estate.
See Our Blog post regarding the PA 14 Form.
2. Why would someone need a PA14 Medical Certificate?
A PA14 may be required when a named executor or administrator may not have the mental capacity to carry out probate duties due to suffering from an illness such as dementia or an acquired brain injury.
3. Who can complete a PA14 Medical Probate Certificate?
It can be completed by a qualified health or social care professional, currently registered and practicing in their respective field who conduct a decision‑specific mental capacity assessment. A full list of qualified probate practitioners is as follows:
Medical Practitioner
Psychiatrist
Approved Mental Health Professional
Social Worker
Psychologist
Nurse
Occupational Therapist
4. What does the PA14 assessment determine?
It determines whether an individual has sufficient mental capacity, as set out in The Mental Capacity Act 2005, to undertake the legal and financial responsibilities of acting as an executor.
5. What is involved in obtaining a PA14 Medical Certificate?
A mental capacity assessment must be carried out. If the assessor determines that the person lacks capacity, they can then issue the PA14 Certificate.
6. Can a GP complete a PA14 Medical Certificate?
Yes. A GP can complete a PA14 certificate, although delays may occur due to workload, so alternative assessors like Social Workers and Approved Mental Health Professionals may be quicker.
7. Can a Social Worker sign a PA14 form?
Yes. According to the HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) a registered Social Worker is an authorised professional for completing the PA14 medical Certificate for probate.
8. Why is the PA14 certificate important in the probate process?
It ensures that the executor has the capacity to act ethically, make informed decisions, and manage the financial and administrative tasks required in probate.
9. How does Understanding Care Needs approach PA14 assessments?
We approach assessments with compassion, support and understanding of individual circumstances, ensuring dignity and a positive assessment experience.
10. What is the difference between a PA14 and a Mental Capacity Assessment?
A PA14 is a specific legal form for the Probate Registry. It is the output of a specialised Mental Capacity Assessment focused on an executors ability to manage the estate.
11. What does a mental capacity assessment for PA14 include?
It assesses whether the individual understands, retains, weighs, and communicates information relevant to the role of executor. A full Mental Capacity Assessment accompany the PA14 Certificate.
12. How quickly can a PA14 be completed by Understanding Care Needs?
Understanding Care Needs strive for fast, efficient handling of PA14 paperwork, often turning around assessments and signed certificates rapidly; particularly when cases are time‑sensitive.
13. What is the significance of PA14 in protecting beneficiaries?
The PA14 safeguards beneficiaries by ensuring the executor’s decisions are sound, informed, and in the estate’s best interest.
14. Are PA14 assessments only for executors?
Primarily yes—they determine whether a person can act as an executor or administrator of an estate.
15. Is the PA14 only required when capacity is in doubt?
Yes. A PA14 is used when there is concern that the executor may not have the mental capacity to perform their duties.
16. Can Understanding Care Needs provide both the assessment and the PA14 certificate?
Yes. Their qualified probate practitioners conduct the assessment, produce a detailed Mental Capacity Assessment, and complete the PA14 Certificate when appropriate.
17. Does a PA14 assessment help streamline probate?
Absolutely. It prevents delays, clarifies authority, and ensures that the probate process runs smoothly with a capable executor.
18. How long does a PA14 assessment take?
A PA14 capacity assessment typically takes around 60–90 minutes, depending on the person’s needs and the complexity of the case. We prioritise efficiency and aim to provide the completed certificate within 3 working days of the assessment.
19. What is the cost of a PA14 Certificate?
A PA14 assessment with our service starts from £350.
See our blog regarding cost here.