Opening a will

BlueJuly

I found my late brother's sealed will, in amongst his papers.  He had no partner or children. Whilst i was caring for him (during his final illness) he spoke of leaving his estate to his siblings, but he never mentioned the written will. (i can only assume that he had forgotten). 
My question is, Can i open the will by myself or does it have to be done in the presence of a solicitor? (i read online that only a executor can read it, but we don't know who he appointed)
Many thanks.

Mojisola

Open it.  If you want to have someone else present, that's up to you.

Keep_pedalling

You need to open it to find out who his executors are.

Grumpy_chap

It makes sense to open the will in the presence of those that you believe will share in the estate.  It is not necessary, but prudent, just in case there is something in the content not as expected, or (worse) any text that is unclear, if hand-written.  Opening it in front of the others will prove you did not make alterations.

74jax

BlueJuly said:

I found my late brother's sealed will, in amongst his papers.  He had no partner or children. Whilst i was caring for him (during his final illness) he spoke of leaving his estate to his siblings, but he never mentioned the written will. (i can only assume that he had forgotten). 
My question is, Can i open the will by myself or does it have to be done in the presence of a solicitor? (i read online that only a executor can read it, but we don't know who he appointed)
Many thanks.

Are your parents around? Thankfully he made a will to reflection his wishes, without a will his estate won't necessarily reflect what he told you. I'd get the will opened ASAP. 

BlueJuly

Thankyou so much