Storing a 'will'

Cybes100

Hi,
I'm just about to sort out my will (somehow, yet to be decided).

I'm quite concerned about where to store it though - is there an online register for wills, or somewhere official online?

Thanks.

Southern_Sadie

Hi,

Yes, there is a national will register called Certainty (http://www.certainty.co.uk/national-will-register).

As far as I know it costs around £30 to use it, but I did my will through Willaid last month and received a code to register the will for free. The code might only be valid for November (Willaid month) but you never know! PM me if you want to try it.

Certainty doesn't actually store a physical copy of your will, but just the details e.g. the date it was made, who the solicitor and the executor are. Your solicitor will keep a paper copy of the will and also give you a paper copy. Mine also sent me a PDF. I'm not really sure where to store the actual physical copy - when I get it from my solicitor I'll probably just put it with my other important documents (in a folder in the bedroom).

Hope this helps!

Cybes100

I was thinking og doing the will myself, so not using a solicitor - hope that doesn't matter!

Thanks for the link, I'll have a look.

Mojisola

Southern_Sadie wrote: »

Yes, there is a national will register called Certainty (http://www.certainty.co.uk/national-will-register).

I think this is a private company.

You can lodge your will with the Probate Service - https://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/courts-and-tribunals/courts/probate/depositing-documents-for-safe-keeping.htm

It doesn't matter who did your will. You seal your documents into a envelope and they store them. No-one looks at your will.

dzug1

The problem with using a private company is that at least some executors would not bother to check with them. Or even with the probate service - but there it would probably come to light when Letters of Administration are applied for.

The main point is that your executor should know where your will is - or failing that that it's easily findable among your possessions.

pineapple

If you use a solicitor they will have details. Plus you should also have a copy. You just have to make sure friends/neighbours/family know where it is stored and/or have details of the solicitor.

Bigsmak

Cybes100 wrote: »

I was thinking og doing the will myself, so not using a solicitor - hope that doesn't matter!

Out of interest, why are you doing it yourself rather than using a Solicitor or a will writer? Is it a cost thing?

Do you know about putting things into a discretionary trust for example?

xylophone

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/family/free-cheap-wills http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Governmentcitizensandrights/Death/Preparation/DG_10029800 http://www.contestedprobate.co.uk/diy.html
Might be worth a read!
Do be sure that you know how to go about avoiding the pitfalls if you write the will yourself - for example, remember that a witness cannot be a beneficiary and that the witnesses must sign the will in presence of each other.

Remember too to avoid risking misinterpretation - they say there was the case of the chap who left "all to Mother" ( "mother" being what he and his children called his wife ) - his own mother and mother-in-law as well as the wife were still in the land of the living when the Testator died...)

Cybes100

Hi,
It's a little about the cost, but also about getting round to actually organising it!!! It'll get done quicker if we do it ourselves.

Thanks for the advice about witnesses.

I don't thinbk we'll need trusts to be involved, everything is going our daughter, and we won't reach any tax brackets (unfortunately!!!)

WhiteHorse

Cybes100 wrote: »

I'm quite concerned about where to store it though - is there an online register for wills, or somewhere official online?

If you make it with a solicitor, they will usually store it free of charge in their vault. Only authorised persons armed with a copy of your death certificate will be able to get it.

You should make sure that there is documentation that points to where your will is stored - an envelope labelled "To be opened in the event of my death" or similar.

ILW

Bear in mind that only the original is valid. Copies held by yourself or others are virtually worthless.