It’s not uncommon for people to wonder how their family will know where to find their Will after they die. After all, a Will is a legal document that outlines an individual’s wishes for their property and possessions after they pass away. While it’s important to have a Will, it’s just as important to make sure that your loved ones know where to find it. Here are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to keeping your Will safe and accessible for your family:
Keep your Will in a safe place.
This can be a fire-proof safe at home, or even with your solicitor. Just make sure that only you have access to it, and that your family knows where it is located.
Appoint someone you trust as the executor of your Will.
You must make certain you let your executor understand in writing that you’ve made the Will, and where a copy will be kept. Just telling the executor may be insufficient. You might be trusting, but your instructions must be recorded and traceable, just in case your appointed executor isn’t available, or if your beneficiaries question the legitimacy of your Will and their right to access your assets.
Never keep your Will in a bank safety deposit box.
If an individual dies, the Will can’t be accepted by the bank until the executor has permission to administer estate matters, and the executor’s right to expand a bank account is limited until formal probate is granted by the court, which can take some time.
Who is allowed to see a Will after death?
The executor is the sole person entitled to a dead person’s Will before probate has been granted and after death. The executor can obtain a copy of the Will from the solicitor and access the decedent’s Will on the National Will Register.
Help and Advice
If you need help with your Will or a loved one’s inheritance, please get in touch with us.