Original Will and Other Questions

Shylock_249

I understand that when applying for probate the Probate Office requires the original will.

If the process takes 9 months (NOT unheard of) does the Probate Office retain the original will for the duration?

Have they been known to loose the original, NOT return them etc?

If it's just husband and wife, no children with only the spouse named on the will as beneficiary are these probates actioned quicker, or is it whoever is top of the list?

TIA

Dave_5150

The original will is not returned. After probate is granted, the will becomes a public document, available to anyone who requests a copy. It can be accessed online. 

Keep_pedalling

That will sounds too simple. What happens if you both die together? What happens on the second death if a new will has not been made?

msb1234

Keep_pedalling said:

That will sounds too simple. What happens if you both die together? What happens on the second death if a new will has not been made?

The estate would be dispersed under the terms of intestacy for the second death. 

bobster2

Shylock_249 said:

I understand that when applying for probate the Probate Office requires the original will.

If the process takes 9 months (NOT unheard of) does the Probate Office retain the original will for the duration?

They retain and scan the original will. It is not returned - but is available online once probate has been granted.

What are you thinking someone might need the original will for during the wait for probate?

Generally - the organisations that will release funds without probate don't require the original will for this. But you could keep a certified copy for this sort of thing.