Obtaining a Copy of the Will

For free initial advice and guidance call our Probate team on 03306069584 or contact us online and we will help you.

How to Find a Will

When a Will is made, the Executor/s are usually told where the Will is stored. If a Solicitor, Lawyer or other professional has drafted the Will, then it will normally be held with them.

Executors of the Will are entitled to obtain it from the Solicitor. It’s also possible that a bank may be storing the Will.

The Executors will have to prove that they are who they say they are (providing proof of identity) and provide evidence of the death (by showing the death certificate) before the Will can be released.

Initially, it is only the Executors who are entitled to the Will, and they do not have to disclose the contents of the Will straightaway. However, they might not be able to close accounts or sell assets such as property and shares until the Court has issued a Grant of Representation, this being confirmation of the Executor’s legal authority to administer the Estate.

When the Grant has been issued the Will becomes a public document and anyone can apply to the Court to get a copy of the Will.

Also see: Executors: How to Read a Will when Someone Dies

For free initial advice and guidance call our Probate team on 03306069584 or contact us online and we will call you.

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Probate Estate Administration in England and Wales is not a reserved legal activity which means that unregulated providers can offer Probate Estate Administration services regardless of whether they are insured, experienced or qualified to provide a full Probate service.

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Co-op Legal Services has over 600 staff working in different businesses with offices in Manchester, Bristol, Stratford-upon-Avon, Sheffield and London.