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Amanda..

The will I got was from 1955.. but I have seen much older ones, where the person was not necessarily wealthy, but still made a will, so as to define where they wanted the household possessions to go to.. sometimes listing lots of children and other relations.

It's worth a try...

If you go to the probate office in London they copy them and you can take it away in about 1 hour for £5.

I went to London to get a copy of my grandfathers will and while I was there I thought I'd see if I could find other family members too. I also got my great aunts will which was very interesting and led me back to my ancestors in Liverpool that I had been searching for! Definitely worth getting.

Maisy

Hi Diane,

Thank you for your reply.

I think it isn't very likely for my rellies, we have ag lab's all through the years.

Kind regards
Amanda

Amanda,

I didn't know there was a will, except I knew it was likely as this was a retired successful businessman.
Curiously though, his wife did not have a will, and as she died a week after him, clearly didn't have time to put her affairs in order, (they were 78/79) and so she died intestate.

There is quite a lot to find out about wills both pre and post 1858, but generally, if you think there may have been a will, you can search for it. I think I am right in saying, if its post 1858, then the search costs only £5 including a copy of the will if one is found, its the York postal copies section that you will need... if you get stuck, ask and I'll find the website.

Hi Diane

How did you find out there was a will?

Would love to know.

Kind regards
Amanda

thanks Alan..

Just wondered... when I ordered those wills (husband and wife) I first obtained the death certificates. I am now following on to the beneficiary and need to order her will, do I need to get her death cert first? I've found the registration so I know the quarter, but I don't have an exact address or date.. it was 1969?

Just an update for anyone that was wondering, they came on Saturday... so 12 days or so..

AND..you find out things that have been bugging you for ages!

Suzanne

I've sent for a couple of wills. The service was very prompt and I received them a couple of days later.

Would recommend wills as a great resource for family historians, and a copy only costs a fiver!

Jacqueline

cool, thanks!

I have just applied for 2 wills from 1955, does anyone know how long they are likely to take to arrive?

(I can't wait!!)