Am I a beneficiary?
How to find out if you're a beneficiary of a will
Written and reviewed by our experienced team. Last verified against gov.uk on 26 July 2026. ProbateCheck is an independent service, not a law firm.
You can find out if you are a beneficiary of a will once a grant of probate has been issued, because the will then becomes a public document. Search the probate records by the person's name and year of death, then order a copy of the will for £16 to read who inherits. Before probate, only the executor can tell you.
Before probate: ask the executor
Until a grant of probate is issued, the will is private. The executor is under no obligation to show it to you, though many will. There is no public record to search at this stage.
After probate: read the will yourself
Once probate is granted the will is public. Search the probate records for the person, order a copy for £16, and the will names every beneficiary and what they receive.
No will?
If the person died without a will, there are no named beneficiaries. Instead the rules of intestacy decide who inherits, in a fixed order starting with a spouse or civil partner and children.
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Start with a free checkFrequently asked questions
How do I know if I'm in someone's will?+
Once probate is granted the will becomes public. Search the probate records, order a copy of the will for £16, and it lists every beneficiary. Before probate, only the executor can tell you.
Can an executor refuse to tell me if I'm a beneficiary?+
Before probate, yes, the will is private. After probate the will is a public document that anyone can order and read, so you no longer need the executor's permission.