How do I get a copy of a will before probate is granted?

elsien

A relative died in January and I am told the will is going through probate. I would like to get hold of a copy of the will if possible but am not able to ask the executor directly. I phoned the probate service and was advised to send in form PA1S, but the form seems to say that there won't be a record until probate is granted, and if possible I'd like to read the will before that.
Is there any other route I can take - I phoned the solicitor the will used to be lodged with when I was joint executor, but they never go back to me so I'm presuming it's either no longer with them, or they don't have to give the information out.
I am a beneficiary if that makes a difference.
Thank you.

getmore4less

Without having seen the will

How can you be sure you are a benificiary or who the executor is?

If those that are(or claim) to be the executor won't release a copy you have to wait.

elsien

The executor sent me a message via a third party. The third party understandably does not wish to distress the executor by asking for more details at this time. Which is why I was wondering if there was an alternative way.
Thanks for the info, anyway.

spacey2012

No, once in probate you can see a copy of the will only.
On large estates a value may be lodged in very rough terms only.

Any accounts or amounts are confidential to the executor .
Not the best system and one that is open to abuse.

getmore4less

elsien wrote: »

The executor sent me a message via a third party. The third party understandably does not wish to distress the executor by asking for more details at this time. Which is why I was wondering if there was an alternative way.
Thanks for the info, anyway.

What sort of benificiary do you think you are?

Why do you think you need to know?

What is the relative closeness of the various parties.

Why a third party?

Why no longer an executor.

Do you think you can help the cuurent executor handle the case if this may be an issue for them.

going in with the "I would like to help" may be more welcome than "give me a copy of the will"

Willornot

I am in a similar situation. Ex husbands wife refuses to show his will to his daughter , and since she is executor, and no Grant of Probate issued, she apparantely, can tear it up and no - one would know... Unless anyone on here knows better !

Mojisola

Willornot wrote: »

I am in a similar situation. Ex husbands wife refuses to show his will to his daughter , and since she is executor, and no Grant of Probate issued, she apparantely, can tear it up and no - one would know... Unless anyone on here knows better !

If she has said that she is named as the executor, she has admitted that there is/was a will.

madbadrob

Willornot wrote: »

I am in a similar situation. Ex husbands wife refuses to show his will to his daughter , and since she is executor, and no Grant of Probate issued, she apparantely, can tear it up and no - one would know... Unless anyone on here knows better !

If she tears it up then intestacy kicks in. As she is divorced from the deceased she has no claim on the estate and everything would pass to the daughter

Rob

MotownFox

madbadrob wrote: »

If she tears it up then intestacy kicks in. As she is divorced from the deceased she has no claim on the estate and everything would pass to the daughter

Rob

I think she means its her ex husband's current wife and OP is daughters mother. So under Intestacy without this "missing" will this current wife gets the first £250k,
Did he not keep his will at the Solicitors or with whom he made the will I wonder.

madbadrob

MotownFox wrote: »

I think she means its her ex husband's current wife and OP is daughters mother. So under Intestacy without this "missing" will this current wife gets the first £250k,
Did he not keep his will at the Solicitors or with whom he made the will I wonder.

I totally agree but I cannot see anywhere where the OP stated this

ROb

Tuesday_Tenor

madbadrob wrote: »

I totally agree but I cannot see anywhere where the OP stated this

ROb

'Willornot' (Message#6) is not the OP.
Different family.
Another person causing confusion by not startng their own post.