Guidance

How to withdraw a will stored with HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS)

Updated 12 August 2024

Applies to England and Wales

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/how-to-withdraw-a-will-from-storage-with-hmcts/how-to-withdraw-a-will-stored-with-hmcts

1. Overview

You can remove a will or codicil stored with HMCTS by completing and sending the withdraw a will form (PA7A). There is no charge for this.

2. If you’re the person who wrote the will

You must send:

  • a completed PA7A form
  • the original certificate of deposit
  • your safe custody reference number

If you cannot find your certificate, explain this in writing when you apply.

3. If you’re the executor

You must complete and send the PA7A form.

If there are other executors, you must get their consent by also completing and sending the PA7B form. You can find this alongside the PA7A.

If the person who wrote the will has died, you must also include an official copy of their death certificate with your application.

4. If you’re someone else applying for probate

If you’re neither the person who wrote the will nor the executor, you must send a ‘letter of authority’ to withdraw the will.

If the person who wrote the will has died, you must also include an official copy of their death certificate with your application.

Contact safecustodywillsenquiries@justice.gov.uk for further advice.

5. Apply to withdraw a will or codicil

  1. Download the PA7A form and the PA7B form if applicable.
  2. Fill in the sections relevant to you.
  3. Print, scan or save the form.
  4. Sign and date the application - HMCTS accepts wet ink, scanned and typed signatures.
  5. Include an official copy of the death certificate (if applicable).
  6. Include a copy or scan of your certificate of deposit.
  7. Send your completed form by email or post to:

Email: safecustodywillsenquiries@justice.gov.uk

Newcastle District Probate Registry
2nd Floor
Kings Court
Earl Grey Way
North Shields
NE29 6AR

6. 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.

7. Get help with withdrawing a will or codicil

Email: safecustodywillsenquiries@justice.gov.uk

Probate helpline
Telephone: 0300 303 0648
Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm.
Closed on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays

Find out about call charges

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