As a specialist probate law firm we are frequently contacted by family members or potential beneficiaries wanting to obtain copy of a will or to know when probate has been issued. The reasons are varied :-
- it can be view a few to contesting a will
- seeing what the will says
- making a claim against the estate
Ask the executor
The starting point is to ask the Executor if known. Very often people can be embarrassed to asking for a will, but given that a will becomes a public document it is always worth asking straightaway as time limits are very strict to contesting wills.
Apply for a standing search
If you want to know when probate is issued you can file what is called a Standing search at the probate registry. This simply involves completing a form with the deceased’s details and filing the form and fee and the probate registry. When probate is issued you then receive a copy of the will and probate. You can apply for a standing search by clicking here
Review the probate records online
The probate registry now enable online searches for probate records to be made online – if you click here you can search for probate records – if probate has been issued you can order online. the probate registry search facility can be found here
Instruct a solicitor
If you are immediately concerned about the will and wish to contest it because of a refusal to disclose a copy then it is sensible to instruct a solicitor like ourselves immediately. We can then write what is known as larkue v nugus letter. this will be a detailed request to the solicitors that drafted the will, seeking confirmation of the background circumstances of the will and how it was prepared.
If you need help obtaining a will – call us on 01482 429985 or e-mail Tim Murden at tim.murden@tmsolicitors.co.uk
