Exeter Probate look-up - CARTER

[JillStatton]

Can anyone please access the Probate Registry in Southernhays Gardens, Exeter to see whether there are Wills for the following people:

CARTER Donald Maynard, died 14 Oct 1976 Paignton
CARTER Phyllis Edith, of Torquay, wife of above who survived him
CARTER Joan Mary Flavel, died 30 Sep 1999 Paignton

I assume that free personal searches are available for the Indexes?
Perhaps indexes are also available elsewhere?

I have already contacted the Sub-registry at Exeter to enquire whether Wills for the above exist and whether electronic payment is available.  Their blunt reply was to write with a cheque for five pounds which I assumed was per Will and did include any search charge and a copy, but with no refund if a Will did not exist.  Can anyone confirm this?

Any help appreciated.

Jill Statton
Adelaide, South Australia

[drewhowson]

Dear Jill Statton,
Unfortunately if you cannot get to London to look at the probate registry ( Principal probate registry High Holbourne) yourself, you have to fill in a form and post it to the relevant Sub Registry.
You pay £5 (not refundable) but this includes any will or probate documents that turn up.
In this day and age i think it is quite a reasonable price.

There is talk of putting all the probate records on line, there was a questionaire at last years Who Do You Think You are? exibition in London, asking for peoples opinions.
Regards,
Andy

[JillStatton]

Thanks for that, Andy.  I take it then that no personal searches are available in Exeter itself?

[drewhowson]

Dear  Jill,
As far as i know you have to apply to the probate registry in york, giving all the details you know.
the link is below to the on line form, fill it in and post it to the address listed.


http://www.hmcourts-service.gov.uk/courtfinder/forms/pa1s_0405.pdf

[nika]

Hello Jill,
The probate office in Exeter is not open to public search. However - they are pretty good and the £5.00 (per will) incudes the search fee, that's why it's not refundable if they don't find the will.
Nika

[JillStatton]

Thank you Nika.