Legal Updates

Wills are public documents ''available for inspection''

Date:  12 Aug 2008

Wills become public documents once a Grant of Probate has been issued, according to one trust and succession partner.

Commenting on the issue of will secrecy, Paul Hewitt told the Financial Times that family members may be able to challenge a will in the event they are unhappy with its contents.

He stated that once the Probate Registry have become executors of the deceased''s estate - transferring title to them for asset distribution purposes – copies of it can be obtained for a sum of £5.

If a grant is yet to be issued, a standing search can be lodged with the registry, which will then provide a copy of the will should a grant be issued in the next six months.

Mr Hewitt said: "Being a family member does not in itself give you any special entitlement - anybody can obtain a copy.

He added that wills can be challenged on the basis they are invalid, or where a claim for financial provision is made.

The jurisdiction of wills in the UK has been the responsibility of the state since 1858.

At Vizards Tweedie our specialists dealing on all private client matters are Christine Green, Tony Millson and Judith Cuxson

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