Names and aliases: why are they important?

The “official” name at the date of death is stated on the death certificate, and so is the deceased’s maiden name, if any. But the deceased might have been known by other names, such as shortened names (“Nick” instead of “Nicholas”), or initials.

Declaring other names on the probate application form (PA1)

If you are dealing with the probate process, it is important to declare all other names on the probate application form (PA1) in which the deceased held assets, along with the assets held under those names.

When the grant is issued, it will list all the names. This minimises the risk of confusion when the grant is submitted to a bank or other institution.

You should also list names in which the deceased made a will.

(There is no need to list other names unless the deceased held assets or made a will in those names.)

Joint assets

There is no need to declare assets held in other names if those assets were held jointly as “joint tenants”. These assets can be dealt with without a grant.