Need to get a certified copy of my late aunts will - appreciate some help

badmemory

The problem with any will is that it can always be superceded.  So the grant of probate would overcome that.

BooJewels

badmemory said:

The problem with any will is that it can always be superceded.  So the grant of probate would overcome that.

Thanks @badmemory - that was the other point I wanted to make and eluded me as I was posting.  We've seen it often enough in this forum where a will has been superceded at the last minute and totally changed the outcome and if you happened to have a certified copy of an earlier one that favoured you, you could use it inappropriately, if that was all that was required.  

That begs the question then - if you have an original will, but it has been superceded - maybe disadvantaging you - can you apply for probate with an older version - what checks are there that a particular will actually is the latest?

VKE

Thank you to everyone who took the time to read my message and reply.
I'm going to complete the form that NS&I sent me and include the certified Death Certifcate along with the Will and Grant of Probate that I paid for from the gov.uk/search-will-probate along with a note and see where it gets me.

I did think that the info on the gov.uk gives all the info that should be needed even if the documents don't say 'certified' seeing as it wouldn't show online if govluk hadn't been sent a Certified copy of the Will to start with ~ fingers crossed I can sort it out and draw a line under my error 

Gers

NS&I seems to have their own rules. I found them easy to deal with though that's down to already having been set up with POA on their system so the PB monies was paid out with only the death certificate for my late DM. I do have a certified copy of her will only because my solicitor did it before sending it off to be registered. (Scotland) before Confirmation was applied for. I don't recall ever needing it. 

I hope that it all works for you. 

Malthusian

BooJewels said:

That begs the question then - if you have an original will, but it has been superceded - maybe disadvantaging you - can you apply for probate with an older version - what checks are there that a particular will actually is the latest?

The fact that you would expect someone to apply for probate with the new, valid one, quite possibly the people who have been advantaged by it.

Newly_retired

I have had difficulty getting a certified copy of a will. Even my solicitor would not do one. He said unless they had produced the will themselves, or were acting for the estate in obtaining Probate, it was against their policies, as they could not guarantee its authenticity.
So for those institutions who demand more than the death certificate, they will have to wait for Probate to be granted. I have paid for additional copies in advance. Most banks have already paid out or need Probate. N, S & I need Probate. co-op wanted a certified copy of the will.

polar_pig

It may be worth just trying a few local solicitors. I got two certified copies of a Will last week by just walking in and asking a local solicitor. I asked what I owed and they said no charge! Mind you, I know from previous experience others either won't do it (unless they did the will) or make a charge.

VKE

So after a little more time with my friend 'google' along with some more time looking around gov.uk. 
I've found  Form PA1S which allows me to request a search for: a copy of the Will to administer an estate in the UK and the form says: use this if its needed to administer an estate in the UK and I will be sent sealed copies of the Will and Grant of Probate - I'm hoping once received I can add it to the other info NS&I require and send off and bring closure to the task once and for all.

Lessons learnt:

• Make sure you have several certified copies of Wills even if you pass the task of dealing with the legal side of dealing with administering an estate
• Make a clear and visible note of paperwork you put a safe or locked box with other estate paperwork so that things are not overlooked and forgotten about
• Check, make notes, check again and hope that when dealing with the tasks and requirements of being an execuator and going through the menopause you don't overlook things like I did!

Thanx to everyone who took the time to read my post and responded; very much appreciated