Losing someone close to you is never easy. Amid the grief, many people face a new challenge: understanding what happens to their loved one’s estate, and whether a will exists. One common question we’re asked at Town & Country Law is: “How can I get a copy of a will?”
This guide explains everything you need to know about how to find a will, who can access it, and how to obtain an official copy—whether you’re an executor, a beneficiary, or simply concerned about your loved one’s wishes.
- What Is a Will?
- Why Would You Need a Copy?
- Can You Access the Will Before Someone Dies?
- How to Obtain a Will After Someone Has Died
- What If You Can’t Find a Will?
- Can a Will Be Changed or Challenged?
- What If You’re Named in the Will?
- How Town & Country Law Can Help
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Thinking Ahead: Make Your Own Will Clear and Accessible
- Talk to Town & Country Law Today
What Is a Will?
A will is a legal document that outlines how a person’s estate should be managed and distributed after their death. It often includes:
- Who the executors are (the people responsible for carrying out the will)
- Who the beneficiaries are (the people receiving the inheritance)
- Any specific funeral wishes
- Appointments of guardians for children
If someone dies having made a valid will, they are said to have died testate. If they haven’t, the estate is dealt with under intestacy laws, which follow a set hierarchy.
Why Would You Need a Copy?
There are several reasons you might need a copy of someone’s will:
- You are named as an executor and need to administer the estate
- You are a beneficiary and want to confirm your entitlement
- You suspect the will may have been contested, changed, or not properly followed
- You’re conducting genealogy or estate research
- You’re unsure if a will even exists and want to clarify the situation
Can You Access the Will Before Someone Dies?
No. While someone is alive, their will remains a private document, and they are under no legal obligation to share its contents—even with family members. In some cases, people choose to store their will with a solicitor, in a safe deposit box, or with a will writing service.
If you’re concerned about your future rights, it’s always worth having a conversation with loved ones about their estate planning, ideally while they are still able to communicate their wishes.
How to Obtain a Will After Someone Has Died
Once someone has passed away, the process for accessing a will depends on whether probate has been granted:
1. Before Probate Is Granted
If you believe a will exists but probate has not yet been granted:
- The will remains private.
- Only the executor(s) named in the will are legally entitled to view it.
- Family members or potential beneficiaries have no automatic right to see it until it becomes a public document.
If you are concerned or unsure about the contents, you may consider politely requesting a copy from the executor. However, they are not obliged to share it at this stage.
2. After Probate Is Granted
Once probate has been granted, the will becomes a public record. Anyone can request a copy from the probate registry.
How to Get a Copy:
You’ll need:
- The full name of the deceased
- Their last known address
- Their date of death
You can then apply online or by post through the HM Courts & Tribunals Service, and a small fee is payable. Once approved, you’ll receive:
- A copy of the will
- The grant of probate
If Town & Country Law is managing the estate or advising you on probate, we can assist in locating and securing a copy of the will on your behalf.
What If You Can’t Find a Will?
Sometimes, families are unaware of whether a will was ever made. If no will can be found:
- The estate is distributed under the rules of intestacy
- The closest relatives inherit in a specific order
- You may need to apply for Letters of Administration, rather than probate
Our Probate Services team at Town & Country Law can help you confirm whether a will exists and guide you through intestacy if necessary.
Can a Will Be Changed or Challenged?
Yes, but only under specific circumstances. Grounds for challenging a will include:
- Lack of mental capacity when it was signed
- Undue influence or coercion
- Forgery or fraud
- Lack of proper legal formalities (e.g. not properly witnessed)
If you’re worried about the contents or validity of a will, you should seek legal advice as early as possible. Town & Country Law’s Wills and Estate Planning team can help assess whether grounds exist for contesting a will or defending a challenge.
What If You’re Named in the Will?
If you’re named as a beneficiary, you have a right to:
- Receive what the will states you are entitled to
- Request information from the executor regarding your inheritance
- See a copy of the will after probate is granted
Executors are expected to act fairly and transparently. If you’re experiencing delays or difficulties, we offer support through our Estate Administration service to help ensure your rights are respected.
How Town & Country Law Can Help
At Town & Country Law, we offer more than just legal knowledge—we provide guidance during difficult times with professionalism and compassion.
Our services include:
- Will discovery and verification
- Probate applications and guidance
- Estate administration for executors and beneficiaries
- Contested wills and estate dispute advice
- Writing or updating your own will
Whether you’re trying to locate a loved one’s will, or you’re thinking ahead to make your own wishes legally binding, we’re here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I get a will for someone who died years ago?
Yes. As long as probate was granted, the will remains on record and can be accessed.
Q: Is there a national database of wills?
There’s no single national registry, but wills submitted to probate can be found via the probate registry. Some people register their will with private will registration services, but this is optional.
Q: What if the executor refuses to share the will?
Before probate, they don’t have to. After probate, you can legally request a copy through the registry.
Q: How long does it take to get a copy?
It typically takes around 10–14 days if you apply online. Times may vary depending on the volume of applications.
Thinking Ahead: Make Your Own Will Clear and Accessible
The best way to make life easier for your loved ones is to ensure:
- Your will is written properly
- It’s stored securely, but also findable
- The right people know where to look
- You’ve appointed reliable executors
Our Will Writing Services are trusted by thousands across the UK. We make the process clear, confidential, and legally sound—whether you’re updating an existing will or creating one for the first time.
Talk to Town & Country Law Today
If you’re unsure about your legal rights, the next steps to take, or how to retrieve a will, our friendly legal team is here to help.
✅ Book a free consultation
✅ Get personalised advice on probate and estate planning
✅ Protect your legacy with a professionally written will
Visit our Contact Page to get started.