Can I open a Will ?

[Bondai]

Hello. Happy New Year all
I'm starting the year with much sadness as my mother passed away only a few days ago. There is a Will in a sealed envelope from some Solicitors. It says 'COPY of The Last Will' on it. My brothers and I do not know who is executor of the this Will or the estate and imagine it will say in the Will but only the Executor of the estate (Executor of the WIll ?) can open it, so what do we do ? can we open it ?

Perhaps I should just phone the Solicitors who have prepared it and ask them ? It's going to be a few days before they open again though, and I'm really stressed at the moment trying to find out what I need to do. Apologies if this question has been covered in the past. I did try a search for this question but got no clear result. It really depends on the exact question you type in and I am so unfamiliar with this line of inquiry that I do not even know what to ask or search for. I have made some general internet searches about what to do after a death and it seems I need to wait for a death certificate in order to get authority established in dealing with legal matters but mostly I think the Will would make it clear who my mum wished to take authority and my brothers and I are assuming it would be my older brother whom has given me the responsibility of finding out as they simply don't have the time to start dealing with these matters.

Any advice appreciated. Thank you.

[atticus]

You may of course open the envelope.

From what you say, I would expect that the original of the Will is held by the solicitors. You will need the original document in order to apply for a grant of Probate. Depending on the size and complexity of your mother's estate, you may wish to ask the solicitors to assist, but that is a matter for you. When my father died, I was executor and instructed a solicitor simply to obtain the grant of Probate, for a fee of about £300 plus VAT plus probate fees. I was able to deal with the rest.

[Bondai]

Thank you ATTICUS for your reply. I'm sure I will be seeking valued opinion such as yours here in the coming days, as you say I think there is much we could probably take of ourselves with some informed guidance. Thank you again.

[twohoots]

Thank you ATTICUS for your reply. I'm sure I will be seeking valued opinion such as yours here in the coming days, as you say I think there is much we could probably take of ourselves with some informed guidance. Thank you again.

Sorry for your loss. I have no legal experience but I am quite good with forms and admin and I did the Probate stuff myself to save money and it was very straightforward and the forms talk you through it anyway. I had one query and rang the helpline and a very charming and helpful man put me right. Take care of yourself.