Certifying a Will - original solicitor no longer in business.

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HughR
HughR Posts: 10 Forumite
in Deaths, funerals & probate
My father recently passed away and I have begun sorting out his affairs. I will be applying for a grant of probate, however, I also need a copy of the will certified by a solicitor. I'm assuming I have the original as it is signed in ink. However, when I phoned a solicitor about getting a copy they said it needed to be the company who drew up the original, who are no longer in business.

I am now very worried as to where I go from here or what can be done.

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  • Flugelhorn
    Flugelhorn Posts: 5,584 Forumite
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    edited 22 May 2019 at 4:29PM
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    I had a photocopy certified recently by a local solicitor - she charged me £5. The original was drawn up by a solicitor relative over 30 years ago and 150 miles away (he has gone onto higher things himself)

    Try some other solicitors - whereabouts are you? someone may be able to suggest one
  • TonyMMM
    TonyMMM Posts: 3,382 Forumite
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    My local solicitor charges the same ..... £5 for a certified copy of just about any document. Go and try another.

    My local Post office will also do it, but they charge £9 apparently.
  • HughR
    HughR Posts: 10 Forumite
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    Hi, thanks for the quick reply. We spoke to two other solicitors in Colwyn Bay where I live and they both seemed reluctant to help as they hadn't drawn up the will. I don't see why this is such an issue, all I needed was a certified copy.
  • Flugelhorn
    Flugelhorn Posts: 5,584 Forumite
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    Look for one who provides "Notary Services" as they are used to certifying copies
  • hb2
    hb2 Posts: 1,398 Forumite
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    I had similar problems (although this was with a POA not will) will solicitors not wanting to do this unless they had drawn up the original document. It is just a case of 'keep trying' and, as Flugelhorn says, look for a Notary who will do this kind of thing all the time.
    It's not difficult!
    'Wander' - to walk or move in a leisurely manner.
    'Wonder' - to feel curious.
  • Yorkshireman99
    Yorkshireman99 Posts: 5,470 Forumite
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    Is the wil properly signed and witnessed? I so why do you need a vooy?
  • HughR
    HughR Posts: 10 Forumite
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    I don't want to send the original out, except when required to do so for probate.
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