& Management Ltd is
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Probate Registry
The probate registry is the office of the probate service; part of the Family Division of HM Courts and Tribunals Service. You'll apply to the registry for a grant of probate or letters of administration. The probate registry is where your interview will take place, at which you'll swear an oath in order to obtain the grant.
You can find a list of addresses and contact details of all UK probate registries using the links at the bottom of this page.
Note that staff are not trained in probate law and it is unethical for them to offer any advice. IWC offer a free help and advice service which is not available from the probate registry. Call us free on 0800 612 6105 or you can make a no-obligation appointment to discuss your issues.
What Does the Probate Registry Do?
Probate Applications - They are responsible for the administration ofgrants of probate and grants of letters of administration.
Caveats - You'll enter in a caveat probate at the probate registry in the event you wish to prevent someone applying.
Standing Searches - Should you wish to obtain copies of a grant of probate or will, you can apply for a standing search through the registry.
Genealogy - The probate register holds useful public records and information from 1858 to present for those carrying out genealogical research.
Probate Office Structures
The Probate Service is currently made up of:
The Principal Registry in London
11 District Probate Registries
18 Sub-Registries
There are also a number of Probate offices or interview venues to allow personal applicants to attend to swear the oath. These are simply a room in a court or local authority building. Full details of these can be found in probate form PA4.
Opening Hours
All registries are open Monday to Friday. Opening hours are normally 9.30am to 4.00pm but do vary geographically so it is recommended that you check beforehand.
Probate Interview Arrangements
Interviews are strictly by appointment only and are arranged by the District or Sub Registry.Full details of this can be found in PA4. You'll need to enter your preferred interview venue on the probate application form so will have to refer to this before you can complete it.
Which Registry should I Use?
When you have chosen your interview venue, your application must be sent to the controlling probate registry responsible for that venue. For example, if you want your interview to be carried out in Croydon, state this then send the paperwork to the controlling registry which is London.
Applying for Probate
In straightforward cases, there is no reason why you can't apply for probate yourself. However, in the event of an intestate death, where inheritance tax is due, complex estates or where the deceased has assets abroad; it is recommended that the executor or administrator seek legal assistance. Executors duties can be time-consuming, complex and difficult, during which, you'll be coming to terms with the loss of a loved one.
IWC offer a complete probate service; dealing with the probate registry, making the application on your behalf, valuing the estate, completing the necessary HMRC forms, paying debts against the estate, collecting monies and distributing the legacy to the beneficiaries.
Our low cost, fixed fee is not based on the value of the estate but simply on the amount of work involved. Call 0800 612 6105 for your free quote, we're open 7 days a week until 10pm.
Bedfordshire
Berkshire Probate
Borders
Buckinghamshire
Cambridgeshire
Central
Cheshire Probate
Cleveland
Clwyd
Cornwall
County Antrim
County Armagh
County Down
County Fermanagh
County Londonderry
County Tyrone
Cumbria
Devon
Dorset
Dumfries and Galloway
Durham
Dyfed
East Sussex
Essex Probate
Fife
Gloucestershire
Grampian
Greater Manchester
Gwent
Gwynedd County
Hampshire
Herefordshire
Hertfordshire
Highlands and Islands