How to find out if someone left you something in a will in the UK?
Asked by: Mr. Jessy McKenzie | Last update: February 13, 2026Score: 4.6/5 (31 votes)
To find out if you're in someone's UK will, check with the Probate Service for granted probate, use The National Will Register, contact solicitors the person used, or ask family/friends; if still unsure, place a standing search with the Probate Registry, as wills become public after probate but are private before, and you'll need to contact executors or seek legal advice if you suspect you're a beneficiary but aren't informed.
How to find out if you are a beneficiary in a will in the UK?
Once the executor of the will has applied for Probate (the legal and financial processes involved in dealing with the assets of a person who has died), the will becomes a public document and you can obtain a copy of it to check if you are a beneficiary of the estate.
How do you find out if someone left you something in a will?
To find out if you're in a will, first ask the executor or family, then check the Probate Court in the county where the person lived (wills become public records) or online, and consider using services like the U.S. Will Registry, as you'll likely be contacted by the executor if you're a beneficiary, but you can proactively search the public records for confirmation.
Are wills public records in the UK?
In general, a will is a private document unless and until a grant of probate is issued. Once a grant of probate has been issued, a will becomes a public document and anyone can apply to have a copy.
Is there a will database in the UK?
The National Will Register is the UK's will registration and will search service, with over 10.5 million wills in the system. We're proud to have worked with The Law Society since 2006.
How to find out if someone had a will or trust
How do you know if you are mentioned in a will?
To find out if you're in a will, first ask the executor or family, then check the Probate Court in the county where the person lived (wills become public records) or online, and consider using services like the U.S. Will Registry, as you'll likely be contacted by the executor if you're a beneficiary, but you can proactively search the public records for confirmation.
Do beneficiaries have a right to see the will in the UK?
Beneficiaries do not have a right to see the will simply because they are beneficiaries. However, once probate has been granted, the will becomes a public document and anyone can access a copy by applying to the Probate Registry.
Where can I find the will of a deceased person?
The best way to obtain a Will is with the probate court file number. The county clerk can give you the case number for reference, or the executor can also give you the information. Additionally, you might be able to get the file number online by providing the deceased's name and date of death.
Can I search death records for free in the UK?
Death indexes are also available to search on FreeBMD. This free-to-use website has an almost complete transcription of the indexes for England and Wales from 1837 to 1983. You can also search the indexes for a fee using commercial websites.
Do wills expire in the UK?
A Will does not have an expiry date. However, it is advisable to review your will periodically.
How are you notified if you are a beneficiary?
You're typically notified as a beneficiary by the estate's executor via formal written notice during probate, but sometimes informally by family; for life insurance, the company tries to track you down after being notified of the policyholder's death, though it's best to know beforehand, ideally if the policyholder told you. Banks won't give information until the account holder dies, as you have no legal interest beforehand.
Can someone hide a will from you?
Yes, someone can hide a will, but it's often illegal and can lead to legal action, with beneficiaries having rights to access it after death, and courts can compel its production, though trusts are often used for more privacy during life as they bypass probate. While a will isn't public until probate, if you're a beneficiary and suspect hiding, you can hire a lawyer to petition the court to force its disclosure, or if it was a secret will, challenge it as invalid or contest its contents.
How to track down an inheritance?
To search for unclaimed property, check the status of an existing claim, or explore additional self-service options, please visit the Unclaimed Property page at www.claimit.ca.gov.
How do I find out if I was left something in a will?
To find out if you're in a will, first ask the executor or family, then check the Probate Court in the county where the person lived (wills become public records) or online, and consider using services like the U.S. Will Registry, as you'll likely be contacted by the executor if you're a beneficiary, but you can proactively search the public records for confirmation.
How do I know if I'm a beneficiary in a will?
Typically, you might receive a certified letter from the personal representative notifying you that you are a beneficiary. However, you can always contact the estate attorney to explain the will to you.
How long after a person dies will beneficiaries be notified in England?
How Soon after a Person Dies should the Beneficiaries Be Notified? There is no set legal timeframe in England and Wales within which a beneficiary of a deceased's Estate must be notified.
How to get a copy of a will online in the UK?
Start by visiting the government's directory of probate records. The service allows you to search for Wills and grants of probate for individuals who have died in England or Wales since 1858. You will need some key details about the deceased, including their full name and the year of their death.
How do I look up the death of someone online?
Use Online People Search Tools
Spokeo, Whitepages, and BeenVerified: these tools aggregate public information, including death records, when available. Entering a person's name and location may reveal a date of death. ObitFinder: this is a specific tool for obituary searches.
Is there a UK death register?
The General Register Office holds records of births, deaths, marriages, civil partnerships, stillbirths and adoptions in England and Wales.
How can I find a will online for free?
To find a will online for free, use The U.S. Will Registry (theuswillregistry.org) to search for registered wills by name and date of birth, which directs you to the storage location, or check county probate court websites where the person lived for filed wills, though access varies by location. You'll need the deceased's full name, date of birth, and state of residence to start, and may need to provide identification to prove you're an authorized person.
How long after someone dies do you find out about inheritance?
Beneficiaries are usually notified within 30 to 90 days after a person dies. The timeline depends on whether a will exists, the complexity of the estate, and state laws. Executors or trustees are legally responsible for contacting beneficiaries once the probate or trust process begins.
How do I know if I'm mentioned in a will?
To find out if you're in a will, first ask the executor or family, then check the Probate Court in the county where the person lived (wills become public records) or online, and consider using services like the U.S. Will Registry, as you'll likely be contacted by the executor if you're a beneficiary, but you can proactively search the public records for confirmation.
Will you be notified if you are a beneficiary?
Yes, beneficiaries are legally required to be notified, typically by the executor or trustee, once an estate enters probate or trust administration, usually within a few months after the death, though timelines vary by state and estate complexity. While the person creating the will isn't usually required to tell beneficiaries beforehand, it's recommended; the executor must send formal notice about the death and their role in the estate.
Can I ask for a copy of the will?
After the death, but before probate is granted, the only the executors (or rather the people named executors in it) have a right to see the Will. At their discretion, they can show it to anyone else. They'll need to send the original Will with the probate application.
What are the biggest mistakes people make with their will?
“The biggest mistake people make with doing their will or estate plan is simply not doing anything and having no documents at all. For those people who have documents, the next biggest mistake people make is to let the documents get stale.