The death of a loved one is always difficult.

When someone passes away, there is not only grief to process but often a significant estate to manage, sometimes with complex assets, family dynamics, or international elements to consider.

One of the most common questions we are asked is, “When will I be able to see the Will?”

For families with substantial estates, the answer can carry both emotional and financial weight. Below, we outline the key steps and timeframes so you know what to expect.

What happens first?

The immediate priority is to locate the most recent version of the Will. In many cases, this is held securely by a solicitor or by a trusted family adviser.

Occasionally, it may be stored at home or in a safe deposit box.

The Will appoints one or more executors, those legally responsible for administering the estate.

Executors are entitled to see the Will straight away, as they need to begin the process of valuing and protecting assets, including property, business interests, investments, and any international holdings.

At this stage, other family members or beneficiaries do not have an automatic right to see the Will, although executors may choose to share it voluntarily where appropriate to avoid uncertainty or disagreement.

When does the Will become public?

Once probate is granted by the Probate Registry, the Will becomes a public document and can be requested by anyone.

Probate grants the executors the legal authority to manage the estate, such as selling or transferring property, accessing bank accounts, and distributing assets.

This stage is particularly important where the estate includes complex shareholdings, overseas assets, or involves trusts.

How long does probate take?

Timeframes can vary depending on the estate’s complexity, but broadly speaking:

• It may take one to four weeks to locate the Will and identify all relevant documentation
• Preparing Inheritance Tax accounts and submitting the probate application typically takes a further four to eight weeks
• The Probate Registry usually takes around eight to sixteen weeks to issue the Grant of Probate

In more straightforward estates, this means the Will may become publicly accessible within three to six months. However, where there are large or multi-jurisdictional assets, business interests, trusts, or contested elements, the process can take considerably longer.

Can I see the Will before probate is granted?

If you are named as a beneficiary in the Will, the executors may inform you of your entitlement in advance of probate.

This is often done to manage expectations and ensure transparency, but there is no legal requirement for them to do so.

If you are unsure who the executors are or whether a Will exists, our team can assist in making discreet enquiries.

Next steps for family members

If you are dealing with the death of a loved one and are unsure where to begin, we recommend the following:

• Identify whether a Will exists and, if so, who the named executors are
• Ask whether probate is being applied for and what the anticipated timeline is
• Seek professional advice early, particularly if the estate includes high-value or complex assets, or you have concerns about your position as a beneficiary

Our Private Client team regularly acts for high net worth families, business owners, and trustees dealing with estates of all sizes and structures. We can support you with:

• Locating and interpreting the Will
• Advising beneficiaries on their rights
• Navigating the probate process efficiently
• Managing Inheritance Tax obligations
• Administering and distributing the estate, including complex or international assets

If you would like professional advice following a bereavement, our team understands both the legal and personal aspects of estate administration and can provide you with the support needed to get through an emotionally challenging time.

Please contact the Head of our Private Client team, Gemma Hughes, on 0203 542 2553.