Guidance

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

Updated 29 September 2022

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 the withdraw a will form (PA7A). There is no charge for this.

2. Get help with withdrawing a will or codicil

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

Find out about call charges

3. 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.

4. 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 safecustodywillsenquiries@justice.gov.uk for advice.

5. 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 safecustodywillsenquiries@justice.gov.uk for advice.

6. Apply to withdraw a will or codicil

  1. Download the PA7A form.
  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 post or email to:

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

Email safecustodywillsenquiries@justice.gov.uk

7. 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.

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