How To Spot An Original Will

When someone dies, one of the first questions we ask is:

Is there a Will? And if so, do you have a copy of the original Will?

It sounds simple. It often isn’t.

Knowing whether you have the original Will matters. In most cases, the Probate Registry requires the original signed document before being able to issue a grant of probate. If only a copy is available, the process can become more complex and often can lead to delays within the process.

But how can you tell if a document is the original? Here are a few hints and tips on how you can begin to tell the difference between an original Will and a copy.

1. Look For Original Will Signatures

An original Will should contain:

• The original signature of the person who made the Will, also known as the testator
• The original signatures of two witnesses, completed in the presence of the testator
• Signatures in wet ink pen – an original Will will not have a printed or photocopied signature(s)

If the signatures look flat, identical in tone, or clearly reproduced, you may be holding a copy.

A genuine Will usually shows slight ink pressure, indentation in the paper, or small variations that suggest it was physically signed.

2. Check The Paper and Staples

Original Wills are often:

• Printed on good or high-quality paper
• Firmly bound or stapled in the top left corner
• Free from removed staple marks
• Provided with a front cover or covering letter

On an original Will, if staple holes are visible but no staples remain, this can raise questions on the potential validity of the document through the Probate Registry as they may query whether pages have been altered.

This query will not automatically mean something is wrong, but it may require explanation as to why changes have been made to the original document. This would be the same if there has been handwritten alterations to the document or damages to the paperwork.

3. Look For Physical Characteristics

Original documents often show small physical signs such as:

• Slight creasing from storage
• Ink that has lightly pressed into the page
• Natural paper texture or light ageing

Photocopies usually look very uniform. The ink appears perfectly flat, and the page may have copier marks or faint shadowing at the edges.

4. Check Where It Was Stored

We offer FREE secure Will storage at Laurelo & we register all of the Wills we store with the National Will Register for added peace of mind.

Where the document was found can give helpful clues. At Laurelo, we offer a professional storage solution to ensure original document are looked after – please let us know if you wish to find out more about this offering by calling one of the team on 0330 236 9080 or emailing info@laurelo.co.uk.

Original Wills are often kept:

• With the professional who drafted it
• In a bank’s safe custody
• In a fireproof home safe
• With other official paperwork in a secure place

If you have found a loose copy in a drawer but know a professional was involved, it is worth contacting the firm to ask whether they are holding the original.

5. Look For Wording Such As “Copy”

Often copies of an original Will are clearly marked by using the words:

• “Copy”
• “Draft”
• “Office Copy”

An original Will is rarely labelled this way and so if there is a watermark on the document stating it is anything but an original, it is likely it is a copy.

What If You Only Have A Copy?

If no original can be found, it does not mean Probate is impossible. However, it does mean additional steps may be required. The Probate Registry will usually need:

• Evidence that the original has not been revoked
• A statement explaining how it was lost
• Supporting documentation

This can slow the process and may require professional guidance.

If you are unsure, it is always sensible to speak to us at Laurelo before submitting an application.

A Gentle Word Of Reassurance

We often see families feeling anxious about locating the original Will. Please know that uncertainty around a Will is common, and it can usually be resolved.

If you are unsure whether you hold the original, avoid writing on it, unstapling it, or marking it in any way.

Keep it safe and reach out to us here at Laurelo before taking further steps.

Contact one of the team on 0330 236 9080 or email us at: info@laurelo.co.uk