TRY ME!
Found Old Will Steps
Summary
If you find an old will after applying for probate, notify the Probate Registry immediately. Submit the original will and amend your application if necessary. Ensure the will is original by checking for signatures and witness details. Pencil alterations or old addresses may require further validation. Consult a solicitor for guidance. If phone contact fails, email the Probate Service or visit their website for assistance.Full Conversation
I've just applied for probate as I couldn't find a will for my dad but I've now found an old will of his, what do I do now?
Hi ****,
Here's what you need to do:
- **Notify the Probate Registry:** Contact the Probate Registry immediately to inform them that you have found a will.
- **Submit the Will:** You will need to submit the original will to the Probate Registry.
- **Amend the Application:** You may need to amend your probate application to reflect the existence of the will.
Would you like more detailed steps on how to contact the Probate Registry?
Here's what you need to do:
- **Notify the Probate Registry:** Contact the Probate Registry immediately to inform them that you have found a will.
- **Submit the Will:** You will need to submit the original will to the Probate Registry.
- **Amend the Application:** You may need to amend your probate application to reflect the existence of the will.
Would you like more detailed steps on how to contact the Probate Registry?
yes
Hi ****,
Here are the detailed steps to contact the Probate Registry:
- **Locate Your Nearest Probate Registry:** Find the nearest Probate Registry office in your area. You can find this information online or contact the central Probate Service.
- **Contact Information:**
- Phone: * * *
- Email: contactprobate@justice.gov.uk
- Address: The Principal Probate Registry, First Avenue House, *-* High Holborn, London WC1V 6NP
- Website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-courts-and-tribunals-service
- **Notify Them:** Inform them that you have found a will and provide any reference numbers from your initial application.
- **Submit the Will:** Send the original will by post or deliver it in person if required.
- **Amend Application:** Follow their instructions to amend your application.
Would you like any further assistance?
Here are the detailed steps to contact the Probate Registry:
- **Locate Your Nearest Probate Registry:** Find the nearest Probate Registry office in your area. You can find this information online or contact the central Probate Service.
- **Contact Information:**
- Phone: * * *
- Email: contactprobate@justice.gov.uk
- Address: The Principal Probate Registry, First Avenue House, *-* High Holborn, London WC1V 6NP
- Website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-courts-and-tribunals-service
- **Notify Them:** Inform them that you have found a will and provide any reference numbers from your initial application.
- **Submit the Will:** Send the original will by post or deliver it in person if required.
- **Amend Application:** Follow their instructions to amend your application.
Would you like any further assistance?
yes
Hi ****,
What specific aspect of the probate process would you like further assistance with? For example, would you like help understanding how to amend your application or any details about submitting the original will?
Please let me know so I can provide the most relevant information for your situation.
What specific aspect of the probate process would you like further assistance with? For example, would you like help understanding how to amend your application or any details about submitting the original will?
Please let me know so I can provide the most relevant information for your situation.
How do I know if it's an original will?
Hi ****,
To determine if it's an original will, consider the following:
- **Signatures:** Check for the testator's (your dad's) original signature.
- **Witnesses:** Ensure it is signed by two witnesses, who should also have signed in the presence of the testator.
- **Condition:** The document should not be a photocopy or scanned version.
Would you like more detailed information?
To determine if it's an original will, consider the following:
- **Signatures:** Check for the testator's (your dad's) original signature.
- **Witnesses:** Ensure it is signed by two witnesses, who should also have signed in the presence of the testator.
- **Condition:** The document should not be a photocopy or scanned version.
Would you like more detailed information?
Dad has written my married name in pencil on the will, does that affect it?
Hi ****,
Writing in pencil on a will can raise concerns about changes or alterations. Here are some key points to consider:
- **Alterations:** Any changes to a will should ideally be signed and witnessed like the original will.
- **Validation:** The Probate Registry may need to review the will to determine its validity.
Would you like more guidance on how to proceed?
Writing in pencil on a will can raise concerns about changes or alterations. Here are some key points to consider:
- **Alterations:** Any changes to a will should ideally be signed and witnessed like the original will.
- **Validation:** The Probate Registry may need to review the will to determine its validity.
Would you like more guidance on how to proceed?
yes
Hi ****,
Here’s how you can proceed:
- **Consult a Solicitor:** It’s advisable to consult a solicitor to review the will and the pencil alterations.
- **Submit the Will:** Submit the will to the Probate Registry for validation.
- **Clarify Alterations:** The Probate Registry will assess the changes and advise if the will is valid.
Would you like more information on finding a solicitor?
Here’s how you can proceed:
- **Consult a Solicitor:** It’s advisable to consult a solicitor to review the will and the pencil alterations.
- **Submit the Will:** Submit the will to the Probate Registry for validation.
- **Clarify Alterations:** The Probate Registry will assess the changes and advise if the will is valid.
Would you like more information on finding a solicitor?
The will has my dads old address on it, does that matter?
Hi ****,
The old address on your dad's will generally does not invalidate it. Here are some key points:
- **Identification:** Ensure the will clearly identifies your dad regardless of the address.
- **Probate Registry:** They may ask for additional proof of identity.
Would you like more information on this?
The old address on your dad's will generally does not invalidate it. Here are some key points:
- **Identification:** Ensure the will clearly identifies your dad regardless of the address.
- **Probate Registry:** They may ask for additional proof of identity.
Would you like more information on this?
yes
Hi ****,
Here’s more information regarding the address on the will:
- **Identification Proof:** Provide additional documents that confirm your dad's identity.
- **Probate Registry:** They can guide you on any extra steps needed.
- **Consult a Solicitor:** For further clarity, consider seeking a solicitor's advice.
Would you like assistance in finding a solicitor?
Here’s more information regarding the address on the will:
- **Identification Proof:** Provide additional documents that confirm your dad's identity.
- **Probate Registry:** They can guide you on any extra steps needed.
- **Consult a Solicitor:** For further clarity, consider seeking a solicitor's advice.
Would you like assistance in finding a solicitor?
I'm going to email the probate registry. What shall I write?
Hi,
I recently applied for probate, as I couldn't find a will for my late father. However, I have now found an old will of his. Could you please advise on the next steps I need to take? I am unsure if this will is valid because it has my married name written in pencil and my father's old address.
Thank you for your assistance.
Kind regards,
****
I recently applied for probate, as I couldn't find a will for my late father. However, I have now found an old will of his. Could you please advise on the next steps I need to take? I am unsure if this will is valid because it has my married name written in pencil and my father's old address.
Thank you for your assistance.
Kind regards,
****
thank you
You're welcome, ****. If you need any further assistance or have more questions, feel free to ask. Good luck with your probate process!
do you know the phone number for Principal Registry of the Family Division?
Hi ****,
Yes, I do. Here is the contact information for the Principal Registry of the Family Division:
- **Phone:** * * *
If you need any further assistance, feel free to ask.
Yes, I do. Here is the contact information for the Principal Registry of the Family Division:
- **Phone:** * * *
If you need any further assistance, feel free to ask.
is that the one in Harlow?
Hi ****,
The Principal Registry of the Family Division is located in London, not Harlow. For matters in Harlow, you might want to refer to the Chelmsford Probate Registry.
Would you like the contact information for the Chelmsford Probate Registry?
The Principal Registry of the Family Division is located in London, not Harlow. For matters in Harlow, you might want to refer to the Chelmsford Probate Registry.
Would you like the contact information for the Chelmsford Probate Registry?
yes please
Hi ****,
Here is the contact information for the Chelmsford Probate Registry:
- **Phone:** * * *
- **Email:** chelmsford.probate@justice.gov.uk
- **Address:** Chelmsford Probate Registry, * Duke Street, Chelmsford, CM1 1HL
If you need any further assistance, feel free to ask.
Here is the contact information for the Chelmsford Probate Registry:
- **Phone:** * * *
- **Email:** chelmsford.probate@justice.gov.uk
- **Address:** Chelmsford Probate Registry, * Duke Street, Chelmsford, CM1 1HL
If you need any further assistance, feel free to ask.
do you know the phone number for Principal Registry of the Family Division (PRFD)
HMCTS Probate
PO Box *
Harlow
CM20 9QE
Hi ****,
The contact number for HMCTS Probate, which handles probate matters, is:
- **Phone:** * * *
If you need further assistance, feel free to ask.
The contact number for HMCTS Probate, which handles probate matters, is:
- **Phone:** * * *
If you need further assistance, feel free to ask.
do you know the phone number for Clacton probate registry?
Hi ****,
The Clacton Probate Registry has been consolidated into the main HMCTS Probate Service. You can contact them at:
- **Phone:** * * *
If you need any further assistance, feel free to ask.
The Clacton Probate Registry has been consolidated into the main HMCTS Probate Service. You can contact them at:
- **Phone:** * * *
If you need any further assistance, feel free to ask.
I can't get through on the phone number what do I do now?
Hi ****,
If you can't get through on the phone, try the following:
- **Email:** Send an email to the Probate Service at contactprobate@justice.gov.uk outlining your issue.
- **Online:** Visit the Probate Service website for more information and possible online assistance: www.gov.uk/applying-for-probate.
Would you like more assistance with this process?
If you can't get through on the phone, try the following:
- **Email:** Send an email to the Probate Service at contactprobate@justice.gov.uk outlining your issue.
- **Online:** Visit the Probate Service website for more information and possible online assistance: www.gov.uk/applying-for-probate.
Would you like more assistance with this process?
Start a new chat