Executor - different name in will due to marriage

movingon

Hi, I am shortly about to help someone apply for Probate. I am looking at the paper form in anticipation and see that there is a question about change of name of Executor since the will was written. This person has in fact married so I assume that she will need to send in her marriage cert, but cant see that anywhere. Do you think she should, and if so will a copy suffice or should she send the original . (If it makes a difference we will in fact be applying on line) Thank you

Flugelhorn

I don't know whether they will accept a photocopy but you can always get a certified copy from the GRO for £11 - this is as valid as the "original" - I got one for claiming pensions etc 

Marmaduke123

At the end of the online application you are told what documents to send. I can't remember what information you are asked for online regarding any name change, but I'm sure marriiage of an executor will be covered one way or another

p00hsticks

I suspect (hope) that in the same way that the Probate Office appear to be able to access the Registers onlnie to confirm a death, and so often don't need sight of an actual death certificate, then if they ask you in response to the name change question to provide the details of the marriage, they'd be able to confirm this electronically as well without the applicant needing to send in certificates - but that's just my guess.

msb1234

I had to send in the death certificate of my Aunt who was one of the executors in my mum’s will. It had to be an original, not a photocopy. I did speak to someone on the helpline about this. To save time, I’d obtain a copy of the marriage certificate to show the change of name and send it with the will.

Marcon

movingon said:

Hi, I am shortly about to help someone apply for Probate. I am looking at the paper form in anticipation and see that there is a question about change of name of Executor since the will was written. This person has in fact married so I assume that she will need to send in her marriage cert, but cant see that anywhere. Do you think she should, and if so will a copy suffice or should she send the original . (If it makes a difference we will in fact be applying on line) Thank you

Depends if she has taken her husband's surname. If she decided to go on using her maiden name, then her 'legal' name hasn't changed. All the marriage certificate does is show the names of the two parties who married, not the name(s) they will use.

TBagpuss

If she has changed her name then she will need to show she is the same person. Online it's likely to be fine to scan and upload the marriage certificate but if they want an original she can get a duplicate for £11.
The court service accepts scans of marriage certificates for the purpose of starting a divorce so I would expec  it to be OK for probate too.