This is our Guide to getting a stored Will back from the Registry – we are NOT the Registry, our business is helping people to find economical, quality legal advice on probate matters – including disputes – when it is needed. We can offer general guidance, but NOT advice.
Looking to store a Will, go here. Finding a Will here. If it was a copy of a probated Will, here.
How to get a Will back which was stored with the Principal Probate Registry, now transferred to Newcastle.
Will storage has been transferred from the former Principal Probate Registry in High Holborn, London, to the Newcastle Probate Registry. Download the Guide or read on.
If you’re the person who wrote the will.
You’ll need the original certificate of deposit and safe custody reference number with your form.If you cannot find your certificate, explain this in writing when you apply using the process below.
If you’re an executor or someone else applying for probate.
If you are not the person who wrote the will or the executor, you will need a ‘letter of authority’ to be able to withdraw the will. Contact sa***********************@*********ov.uk for advice.
Providing a death certificate.
If the deceased died in England or Wales you do not need to provide a copy of the death certificate you were given.If you have an interim death certificate issued in England or Wales you must provide a scan or copy of this with your application.If the death certificate was issued anywhere other than England and Wales, contact sa***********************@*********ov.uk for advice.
Apply to withdraw a will or codicil stored with the Probate Registry.
- Download the PA7A form.
- Fill in the sections relevant to you.
- Print, scan or save the form.
- Sign and date the application – HMCTS accepts wet ink, scanned and typed signatures.
- Include an official copy of the death certificate (if applicable).
- Include a copy or scan of your certificate of deposit.
- Send your completed form by post or email to:
Record Keepers Department, Newcastle District Probate Registry, 2nd Floor, Kings Court, Earl Grey Way, North Shields, NE29 6AR.Email sa***********************@*********ov.uk
What happens next
Once you have applied to withdraw your will or codicil, it will take around 4 weeks to process your request and for the documents to be sent to you.As a very last resort, get help with withdrawing a will or codicil contact the Probate helpline on 0300 303 0648 onday to Friday 8am to 6pm. Closed on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays. Download the Guide Looking to store a Will, go here. Finding a Will here. If it was a copy of a probated Will, here.