Will Advice Please

[littlealexhorne]

My Grandfather sadly passed away last month. Unfortunately, I am estranged from my Father (his son), and have been for many years now. I am just looking for some advice about how things work in regards to my Grandfather's will (whatever this may be) being executed. This is not a process I have been through before, so I have no prior insight into how this process usually works, but I am also wondering whether the fact that I am estranged from my father may complicate matters? Or just how I would find out the contents of the will?

I do also have concerns over his controlling and coercive behaviour which I believe may have extended over to my Grandfather, and whether he could have pressured my Grandfather to change his will in any way - however until I have seen the will this is pure speculation at this point.

Are you likely to be a beneficiary, how was your relationship with your grandfather.

I would have thought so yes, admittedly a slightly less close over the past couple of years as I have moved across the country however previously a strong relationship.

You can pay a fee and apply to the national will register here. This is not foolproof - so read carefully to understand the different types of searches.

A Will is a public document once it has probate assuming the value of the estate is over the threashold . That may take a while..often over 6 months You can check the probate registry online. The National Will Register doesn't hold a copy of the will (its a private non governmental company) and won't release any information unless you are an executor.

If you're a beneficiary the executor(s) are under a duty to contact you. If you aren't a beneficiary they aren't.

If there is a Will,it should appoint executors to deal with affairs. Once probate has been obtained it becomes a public document for anyone to see. Unless you are nominated as a beneficiary you have no legal right to see it until after probate.

Are you sure he even made a Will? Most people haven't. Either way, you can file a `standing search' at the Probate Registry, which means you'll be notified if a Grant of Representation is issued within the next 6 months - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/find-a-will-or-probate-document-form-pa1s