How to find a will
Is a will a public document?
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.
In England and Wales a will is private during someone's lifetime and stays private after death until a grant of probate is issued. Once probate is granted, the will becomes a public document that anyone can order a copy of for £16. If probate is never granted, which is common for small or jointly owned estates, the will usually never becomes public.
Before probate: private
While someone is alive, their will is entirely private. After death, and before a grant of probate, only the executor and anyone they choose to share it with can see the will. A beneficiary has no automatic right to see it at this stage.
After probate: public
When a grant of probate is issued, the will is proved and lodged with the court, and it becomes a public record. Anyone can then order a copy of the grant and the will for £16 from GOV.UK, whether or not they are a beneficiary.
When a will never becomes public
If probate is not needed, for example where assets were jointly owned or below the banks' thresholds, no grant is issued and the will does not enter the public record. A will can therefore exist and remain private indefinitely.
Frequently asked questions
Are wills public in the UK?+
In England and Wales, a will becomes public once a grant of probate is issued. Before probate it is private. After probate, anyone can order a copy for £16. If probate is never granted, the will usually stays private.
Can I see a will before probate?+
Generally no. Before a grant of probate the will is private, and only the executor and those they choose can see it. It becomes public once probate is granted.