London Probate Registry

[judipete]

I am planning to be in London in July when I hope to visit First Avenue House to access a number of wills. Can anyone help me with these questions?
Can I access wills of persons who have died after 1941 and up to what date?

At First Avenue House can I read a will and make notes rather than order a copy?

If the Probate Calendar index says the probate record is in Liverpool or another Probate registry office, can I access the will in the London office or do I need to go to Liverpool or the probate office of lodgement?

Thanks. I appreciate any help as I am coming from West Australia.
Judith

[Kerrywood]

Can I access wills of persons who have died after 1941 and up to what date?
Almost up to the present date. For anything that might still be "in the pipeline" you can order a standing search. See this page (http://www.hmcourts-service.gov.uk/cms/1211.htm).


At First Avenue House can I read a will and make notes rather than order a copy?
No. The probate records are not kept at First Avenue House. You can't see a will unless you purchase a copy. Once you've paid, there is a so-called one-hour while-you-wait service, which may be more like two hours. Or the copy of the will can be posted to you. The cost is the same, £5.00.


If the Probate Calendar index says the probate record is in Liverpool or another Probate registry office, can I access the will in the London office
You can purchase a copy at the London office of anything that is listed in the Calendar. Probate records themselves are not necessarily kept in the place where probate was granted, but are stored centrally in Birmingham, Sheffield etc. and sent out from there.

These pages (http://www.hmcourts-service.gov.uk/cms/1226.htm) have more information.

[judipete]

Many thanks for such a quick and clear response.
Judith