What is a PA14 form?

If there are concerns about the mental capacity of the executor of an estate, a probate mental capacity assessment needs to be completed, and PA14 form completed for the Probate Registry. Probate is the legal process of administering the estate of a deceased person. Usually, a person making a will (testator) will name a person close to them as executor.

The mental capacity assessment is carried out in accordance with the functional test of capacity set out in the Mental Capacity Act 2005.

If the executor is found to lack capacity and a substitute is named in the will, that person can take over administration of the estate. If there is no named substitute, an application can be made by a beneficiary of the will to be appointed as executor.