How can I get a copy of a will?

sunshine25

Can anyone advise please

My father died last week and his wife (who has been told she is sole executor by the solicitor) is refusing to let my sister and I have a copy of my fathers will

It is unlikely that the will will go to probate as he had no property and no assets.

I would like to just see this will but how can I do this if his wife continues to refuse

Just_landed

Link and scroll down just over half way :-



http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/index/your_family/family_index_ew/wills.htm


might help

McKneff

I fail to see why your dad would bother making a will and paying a solicitor if he had no assets

Maybe he had more than you think, which is why she is refusing.

atush

indeed, was my thinking. Why else would she refuse if he left nothing?

sleepless_saver

sunshine25 wrote: »

I would like to just see this will but how can I do this if his wife continues to refuse

The short answer is that you can't. After probate is granted it becomes a public document and you can apply to see it then. Otherwise it's up to your late father's wife whether she lets you see it or not.

sleepless_saver

atush wrote: »

indeed, was my thinking. Why else would she refuse if he left nothing?

Maybe they just don't get on.

atush

Still would be pointless IMO.

Afterall, if she doens't like her husband's children she won't have to deal with them any longer. But keep this up and she will.

sunshine25

Thank you for the helpful and factual posted. As they say 'if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything'

I've always found MSE helpful but do get offended when people post unhelpful and opinionated posts. What purpose do you people hope to achieve?

Yorkie1

Condolences for your loss, my sympathies. But nobody on here has said anything unconstructive or rude.

atush

Perhpas because some post only partial facts when there are other things in play when asking ehir questions?

I for one hope you find what you seek. And if she won't cough up, feel free to continue bothering her until she does.

He was your father, and you have a right in morality if not law.

But if she is hiding things, surely there is an estate so maybe keep checking the probate register. Some assets will ask for 'right of probate' papers so she may have to file in the end?