How to get a copy of a will 

When someone dies, they often leave a will that explains how they want their belongings to be shared. Many people might want to see the will, like those who expect to receive something or the executors who manage the distribution. But who keeps the original will in the UK? Where are copies of the will stored? And who has legal access?

Let's answer all your questions about getting a copy of a will.

Who keeps the original copy of a will?

When someone uses a solicitor to create their will, the first signed copy is sent to the person who made the will (the testator). They can keep this copy with their important documents and let their executors know where to find it.

However, the original will is usually kept by the solicitor or at the national probate registry. This is because the original is the only legally binding document and is needed when the executor applies for probate. It must be kept safe to ensure your wishes are carried out after you die. The original isn't kept by the person who made the will to avoid it getting lost, damaged or stolen. 

Who can get a copy of a will?

This depends on the probate process. Before probate has been granted, wills are considered private documents, and copies are only available to a selection of people:

• The testator can access their will while they’re alive.
• Any executors named in the will can see it after the testator dies and before probate is granted. 
• Executers can share copies with any beneficiaries named in the will if they wish. Beneficiaries can't access the will directly from a bank or probate service, but they can receive funeral wishes from it.

Once probate has been granted, wills become public documents, which means that anyone is entitled to apply for a copy.

Obtaining a copy of a will

You can use the UK government's probate search service to get a copy of a will online. However, you’ll only be able to find it once probate has been granted. The more details you have about the person who died, the easier it will be to find the will. You should have:

• The full name of the deceased
• The year they died (approximate is ok)
• The exact date of death (if known)

Once you find the will, you'll need to pay a £1.50 fee. After paying, you'll get a confirmation email. Then, you'll receive another email which tells you the will is ready to download via the probate search service. Head to that website, and you have 31 days to download the will to your computer or device before the link expires.

Alternatively, you can register a Standing Search with the Probate Registry. If you just want to know if a will was made, you can conduct a Certainty will search via the National Will Register. Not all wills will be registered, however, and so this is only an indication of whether a will was made or not.

If you want to see a copy of a will before probate is granted, and you’re not an executor, you can chat with the executor and ask if they will let you see it.