How to Get a Copy of a Will Online in the UK
If you have recently faced a bereavement and are trying to find out more about your loved one’s wishes, you might be wondering how to get a copy of a will online in the UK. It can be a fairly simple process, but this can vary depending on your circumstances. Read on to find out more about what you will need to do.
How to get a copy of a will online in the UK
A will is a private document until the owner of the will (the ‘testator’) dies. After they pass, the rules of who can see the will depend on whether or not Grant of Probate has been issued yet.
Before probate is granted, only the executors are entitled to read the will, although out of courtesy, they can choose to share a copy with the beneficiaries. After probate has been granted, anyone can get a copy of the will by applying to the official Probate Registry.
What if Grant of Probate hasn’t been issued yet?
Probate is the right, by law, to deal with somebody’s estate and possessions after their death. If you’re trying to access a will, you can check whether a Grant of Probate has been issued on the government website (https://www.gov.uk/search-will-probate). If it hasn’t yet, you can set up a ‘standing search’ instead. This requires you to pay the Probate Registry £10 and they will send you the will and the probate application form as soon the grant is approved.
What do I need to know about getting a will online?
Once the Grant to Probate has been issued, you can easily request a copy of the will on the above link (note: there will still be a fee). After your payment has been processed, the documents should be sent to you within 10 working days.
While you can apply by post, accessing the documents can take up to 4 weeks. Similarly, you can also apply in person at your local District Probate Registry, with the documents also sent to you within 10 days. As you can see, however, applying online is the easiest option.
What to do next
You should now know how to get a copy of a will online in the UK, but that doesn’t mean you’re on your own. If you are still unsure about what to do next or you want help navigating the process during your time of bereavement, make sure to get in touch to arrange a free claim assessment [https://www.willclaim.com/free-claim-assessment] and let us help you.
We have a wealth of experience in dealing with wills and can also help with contesting wills. If you want to contest a will, or you have other questions and queries regarding wills, get in contact with our team today.