The Will Registry Office
The Will Registry Office
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Table of Contents
What documents can I deposit for safe keeping ... ?
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Should I notify my executors I've deposited a will at The Will Registry Office ... ?It's always advisable to notify your executors of the location of your will. When you register your will at The Will Registry Office we will automatically send your executors a certificate of deposit which will contain a unique personal registry identification number together with the procedure for obtaining the will when it is required. Back to TopHow can I assure my will is valid ... ?When you apply for registration, if requested, The Will Registry Office will ensure that they have signed, dated and witnessed the will correctly before depositing it for safekeeping. Back to TopCan a will be registered on my behalf by someone else ... ?A member of your family, close friend, legal representative or executor can send your will to The Will Registry Office for safekeeping (by registered or recorded post only) which must also be accompanied with a letter of authority signed by you permitting the will to be deposited on your behalf. The named person will receive confirmation of receipt and certificate of deposit. Back to TopWhy is registering my will so important ... ?Your will is a legal document that should be kept securely away from fire, flood, vandalism or theft, but at the same time being easily and quickly accessible to your executors after your death. It's important to remember that, if your executors cannot find your will, the law may assume that you've destroyed it, therefore, all your careful preparations you may have done will have been for nothing. It may also cause problems if the will turns up after your estate has already been distributed. Back to TopCan I make changes to my will after it is stored ... ?Alterations cannot be made to the original document. However, you can make minor changes by adding a codicil (for making additions or supplements to the original will). This can be stored together with the original will at The Will Registry Office. A codicil must be properly witnessed, but the witnesses need not necessary be the same as for the original will. Back to TopHow often should I review my will ... ?Ideally, you should review your will at least every two years or, if circumstances change to the extent of your will being inadequate. When you register your will with The Will Registry Office you can choose to be reminded free of charge at regular intervals to check that your will is still valid. Back to TopWho has access to the records ... ?Only the Registrar and authorised personnel from The Will Registry Office have access to the will records. Back to TopHow would my Executors know if there is a will stored ... ?When you register your will for safekeeping your named executors will be notified automatically that you have lodged your will at The Will Registry Office. Unfortunately, unless your will is registered, or your executors know where your will is hidden, they will need to do some detective work in locating the original will. Back to TopI'm planning to retire abroad ... ?Make a will and register it at The Will Registry Office before you go. If you die intestate abroad it may cause great difficulties for your family or heirs. Seek professional legal advice to making an International will or, you may require separate wills for assets held in the UK and in other countries. Your local British Consul can provide a list of English-speaking lawyers who can assist you. Wills made abroad can also be stored at The Will Registry Office together with any will made in the UK. Back to TopCan I register my own and spouses wills together ... ?No, as all wills are regarded as private and confidential, they have to be stored and registered separately. Back to Top
How much does it cost ... ?
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Ask another question ... ?Back to Top |
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Copyright © The Will Registry Office 2004. All rights reserved. This page was last modified on 28 January, 2005
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