Can anyone search for a will?

When probate is granted, the will is kept by the Probate Service and any member of the public can get a copy. If you want to search for the will of a person who died recently, you can apply to the Probate Service for a standing search to be made.

Is a will made public record?

In general, a will is a private document unless and until a grant of probate is issued. Once a grant of probate has been issued, a will becomes a public document and anyone can apply to have a copy.

How do you find if a will has been registered?

You can contact the deceased’s bank to find out if they have the Will but they may not provide any information unless you’re the executor. Solicitors, Will writers and other professionals use the National Will Register to store their client’s Wills. Individuals can also store their Will on the register for safekeeping.

How do you know if someone has left a will?

How do I know if someone left a Will?

  1. look in the deceased’s safe / box of ‘valuable documents’
  2. ask family and friends if they are aware of a Will having been prepared.
  3. ask the deceased’s accountant / solicitor / financial advisor / bank – as they may have a copy or they may have helped the deceased to draft up a Will.

How long until a will becomes public?

If Probate is needed to administer your Estate after you die, then your Will becomes a public document and anyone can apply for a copy. It’s important to bear this in mind when you write your Will, and avoid including any information that you wish to keep private.

How long after someone dies is the will read?

On average, you should expect the Probate process to take nine months from the date of death through to completion. Typically, we see cases taking between 6 months and a year, depending on the complexity and size of the Estate Probate is being applied to.