Im trying to locate a UK will of an uncle that recently died?

Question

Are all UK wills registered somwhere if made or endorsed by solicitors and if so where and how would i locate it?

Answer 1

The rule is that all wills are registered in the UK.

However, as in America, not everyone follows that rule. I would write to the township solicitor where your ancestor lived and provide sufficient information so they can research and let you know.

Perhaps you have a relative in the township who can do the foot work for you. Cheaper and easier. Unless you're expecting riches and fame, it's not worth it.

I know a mate who went through the trouble thinking there would be such only to find out his relative was a pauper and indebted to the Crown so much that solicitors came from everywhere to attempt and collect back taxes!

Answer 2

If a person dies and leaves a will then you can apply to Probate Services with the persons full name and address and the date of death. There is a small fee for this and they will send you a copy of it.

You can write to here:

The Postal Searches & Copies Dept,

York Probate Sub-Registry

Castle Chambers

Clifford Street

York

YO1 9RG

Ideally the information they will need will be the full name, address and date of death of the deceased, requesting the years to be searched and the appropriate fee. This is £5, which covers the four year period from the date of death, plus £3 for each subsequent 4 year period. If a grant is traced, the fee includes a copy of the Grant and Will (if any). If you do not have all the information then the Officials will do what they can, provided you have at least the correct full name.

If the death has occurred recently and you cannot locate the Grant, then it is possible to request a Standing Search. This is valid for 6 months and if Grant is issued within that time you will automatically receive a copy. You can extend the Standing Search for 6 month periods for as long as you like. The fee each time is £5.

Good luck

Forgot to say.....Payment should be made by cheque or postal order to HMCS. If applying from outside the UK payment needs to be by international money order in pounds sterling.