How Do I Get a Copy of a Will Before and After Probate?

Posted by Jude Adams on September 17th, 2019

Losing a loved one is hard and it is difficult to focus on anything other than grief. But there are some important things that need your attention after the death of a relative and you have to find time and courage to handle the matters.

Most people leave behind a will that has instructions about burial and funeral and how they wish their assets to be distributed. Leaving a will is not a legal requirement but it makes sure that the assets of a deceased person are used according to their will. Hiring Islamic wills in solicitors and creating a will makes sure there is no dispute regarding the assets after a person’s death.

If there is a will then the surviving relatives should get a copy so that they are aware of the wishes of the person they have lost. It will also allow you to check the validity of the will.

Here are a few ways you can obtain a copy of the will.

1. To get the copy of the will you will need to apply to the Probate Registry and ask for a search of the Grants of Probate. Making the application is a simple and easy process and will only cost you ten pounds. You can give the application at any registry you want.

The Probate Registry will take a look at their records to see if there has been any Grant of Probate been made. If there is a Grant of Probate then anyone is qualified to obtain the copy of the will and the probate. If the deceased did not have a will then you are going to obtain a copy of Grant of Letters of Administration. If the probate has not been granted then there will be no record of the estate and the registry will not have any information to give.

2. In case there is no Grant when the application is made then there will a standing search. If the Grant is issued within the six months of the application then the applicant will get a copy. If it does not happen within the six months of the application then the applicant can renew the search by paying a fee

Getting a copy before Probate:

If you want to get a copy of the will before the probate is granted then here are a few important things you need to know.

1. The only people eligible to get a copy of the will before probate is granted are the executors of the estate. They have a right to share the will with anyone they want but they are not legally required to.
2. The people who are named beneficiaries in the will do not have any immediate right to get a copy of will before the probate is granted. The same rule applies to people who have not been named a beneficiary.
3. There is an exception for residuary beneficiaries. They have the right to know the contents of the will that are related to running an estate. They need the information to manage the state during the time of realization and distribution of the assets.
4. If the copies of the will have been left at the house or office of the deceased then anyone who finds them can read its contents.