Certainty: The National Will Register

From Autumn 2019 we will be starting to register all the Wills we hold with Certainty: The National Will Register.

What is Certainty?

Over 8 million Wills are currently held in this tremendous resource bank, taking the worry and strain out of locating a Will.

When a loved one dies, there can be challenges associated in carrying out their wishes: firstly knowing if one exists at all, locating the Will, and also finding the most up to date version. This can add to the stress and tension at what is already a considerably painful time.

We hope to take the strain off client’s shoulders when planning for their future. Clients will be sure their Will can be located by executors and their wishes respected. It ensures final wishes are carried out, that life’s work and things we cherish be distributed according to our hopes. It also relieves the strain associated with whether loved ones can be taken care of.

The next posts in our series of articles on Wills should hopefully address some of these issues for you and provide reassurance.

Over the Past decade The National Will Register, called “Certainty,” has built a significant National Will Register and Will Search service. It aims to protect law firms, testators, executors and beneficiaries. According to their website:

“More than 5,500 solicitors use Certainty the National Will Register, ranging from sole practitioners to over 50% of the Legal 500 and the majority of the most respected firms in the country”.

[https://www.nationalwillregister.co.uk/Default.aspx “National Will Register: Certainty”]

Can I search as an individual?

Searches of the National Will Register can be carried out by members of the public to help trace a Will. This can also be invaluable in checking the most up to date version, resolving disputes and protecting assets.

What are the benefits of registering Wills on The National Will Register?

Registering a Will can help protect against incorrect distribution of an estate, it can ensure that the right people benefit. It can also safeguard against the issues or disputes arising from the surfacing of an unknown Will. It is clarifying and trustworthy. Will Registration ensures that your Will is better protected in the future and guards your beneficiaries and executors from distress. It will ensure your will cannot go missing. Registering the Wills we hold means they can be easily and quickly located after a client has died to avoid such situations.

Respecting your wishes

In writing your Will you are showing a commitment to yourself and your beneficiaries: documenting your wishes and protecting your assets. In making and registering your Will it saves your loved ones and beneficiaries undue distress in having to search through possessions and contact Solicitors chasing lost Wills. It saves the questions as to the most update version, whether one exists and clarifies who to contact.