Form P1 (BC): Notice of Proposed Application, Explained

What it is: Form P1 is the formal notice that you intend to apply for a grant of probate or administration. BC requires you to tell everyone with a legal interest before the court will consider your application.

Who must receive it: beneficiaries named in the will, the people who would inherit if there were no will (intestate successors), and certain others with a potential claim — including anyone cited in the will and, where applicable, the Public Guardian and Trustee (for minors or incapable adults).

The 21-day rule: after delivering the P1, you must wait at least 21 days before submitting your probate application. The court will not issue a grant without proof this notice went out and the clock ran.

How to actually do it:

1. List every person entitled to notice (your lawyer or notary will confirm the list — getting it wrong is the most common rejection cause).
2. Complete the P1 with the deceased's details and your own.
3. Deliver it by ordinary mail, email, or personal delivery to each person.
4. Keep records — you'll swear an Affidavit of Delivery (Form P9) confirming who got it, how, and when.

Common mistakes: missing an intestate successor (notice goes to them even when there's a valid will), forgetting the Public Guardian and Trustee when a minor is involved, and filing before day 21.

Where to get it: the official current version is on the BC government's wills & estates pages: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/death/wills-estates

Foxglove is a guide, not a law firm. General information, not legal advice; forms and rules change — confirm current requirements with the Supreme Court of BC, the official BC government forms page, or a qualified BC professional. Find vetted BC help →