Beneficiary in a Will

tillson

I have just been informed that I am a beneficiary in a will. A relative of the deceased is acting as the executor.

I have been told that I am to receive a sum of money, but I have not had sight of the will. Whilst I have no reason to suspect that anything untoward is happening, shouldn't I see the will, or at least the portion which relates to me?

Obviously, this is quite sensitive, so is there a way that I can see the section of the will applicable to me without the relative knowing that I am checking up?

getmore4less

The will becomes a public document once probate is granted, so you can get a copy anyway.

http://www.hmcourts-service.gov.uk/infoabout/civil/probate/index.htm
http://www.hmcourts-service.gov.uk/cms/1226.htm

There is no reason not to give you a copy.

Luckyred

I inherited some money recently. I didnt even know I had been left anything until 18 months after the person had died.
I received a letter out of the blue about a year ago with a copy of the will and a cheque for part of the inheritance. I received several cheques over a period of time. The final cheque which I received a few weeks ago was accompanied by documentation stating exactly how the estate had been distributed and how much tax had been paid etc.

meritaten

beneficiaries in my experience usually get copies of the will - as once probate is granted they can see the will anyway!

nad1611

If you know who the Solicitors are then simply ask if you can have a copy of the Will, I don't see why they'd refuse you or ask if you can read a copy at their premises if they don't want to give you a copy.

mercedes125

getmore4less wrote: »

The will becomes a public document once probate is granted, so you can get a copy anyway.

http://www.hmcourts-service.gov.uk/infoabout/civil/probate/index.htm
http://www.hmcourts-service.gov.uk/cms/1226.htm

There is no reason not to give you a copy.

If anyone can get a copy of the will would they be able to see the named peoples addreses on the will. As my friends grandma has passed away both her and her brother are on the will and she does not want her brother finding out where she lives he is in prison at the moment.

Mojisola

mercedes125 wrote: »

If anyone can get a copy of the will would they be able to see the named peoples addreses on the will. As my friends grandma has passed away both her and her brother are on the will and she does not want her brother finding out where she lives he is in prison at the moment.

It depends on whether the addresses are in the will.

Often the way it is phrased is "and to my daughter, (her name)" with no need for an address.

If the addresses are given, there is no way to stop the brother from seeing it. Proven wills are public documents and anyone can buy a copy.

mercedes125

Mojisola wrote: »

It depends on whether the addresses are in the will.

Often the way it is phrased is "and to my daughter, (her name)" with no need for an address.

If the addresses are given, there is no way to stop the brother from seeing it. Proven wills are public documents and anyone can buy a copy.

Yes all the addresses are on the will its not just my friend that wouldnt want him to see where they live but others too, one of the addresses is wrong because that person has flitted since the will was made, so would that address stay as it is on the will. Also would he be able to see how much residuary estate money has gone to the main person on the will as each person it states will recieve so much eg £500 but the remaing money left obviously it dosnt state because it all depends what is left after everyone else gets theirs.

Mojisola

mercedes125 wrote: »

Yes all the addresses are on the will its not just my friend that wouldnt want him to see where they live but others too, one of the addresses is wrong because that person has flitted since the will was made, so would that address stay as it is on the will.

This is why addresses often aren't used in a will if the person can be clearly identified by relationship - wills are often written well before the person dies and everyone named could be living at a different address by that time.

The will cannot be altered to show up-to-date addresses after the person has died. The will, as they signed it, is the official document which will become available to the public.

mercedes125

Mojisola wrote: »

This is why addresses often aren't used in a will if the person can be clearly identified by relationship - wills are often written well before the person dies and everyone named could be living at a different address by that time.

The will cannot be altered to show up-to-date addresses after the person has died. The will, as they signed it, is the official document which will become available to the public.

Ok thankyou, Would the others on the will be able to find out how much remaining money has gone to the main person with it not staing it.

Mojisola

mercedes125 wrote: »

Ok thankyou, Would the others on the will be able to find out how much remaining money has gone to the main person with it not staing it.

I hope someone else can confirm this for you but I think they can work it out because the will sets out who gets what and the total value of the estate will be published.