You will need: The original hardcopy will The death certificate (issued by the funeral home, or the Registrar-General), and The correct court forms for probate (there are quite a few). Please note that sworn and affidavits are necessary as well. The forms for applying for probate with a will, without a will, and for small estates are all different. This is where a probate lawyer can help by completing relevant forms correctly, with no delay in estate administration.