How are you notified if you are named in a Will?
If you’ve been named in a Will, you are legally entitled to be informed. This article explains who contacts you, how that usually happens, and what rights you have as a beneficiary.
Who notifies a beneficiary of a Will?
The person responsible for notifying you is the Executor named in the Will. If no Executor is available, a court‑appointed Administrator acts in that role. It is their legal duty to inform anyone named in a Will that they are a beneficiary. Often, this communication comes from the Executor directly or through their Solicitor.
When should the notification happen?
There is no fixed legal timeframe for notification. However, Executors are expected to contact beneficiaries within a few weeks to a few months of death, once they have located the Will and begun estate administration. Good communication helps avoid confusion and delays.
How will you be contacted?
Notification usually comes via a formal letter or email. In some cases, a face‑to‑face call may occur first, followed by written confirmation. Communication typically includes:
- Confirmation that you are a beneficiary.
- Details of what you have been left (even if estimated).
- The name of the Executor and the likely next steps in probate administration
What rights do beneficiaries have?
As someone named in a Will, you have these legal rights:
- To be informed that you are a beneficiary;
- To know what you are entitled to receive;
- To find out who the Executor is;
- To receive estate accounts (especially if you are a residuary beneficiary), showing how the inheritance is calculated.
What if you're not contacted?
If significant time passes and you have been told you are named in a Will but have not been contacted:
- You may reach out to the Executor or their Solicitor politely.
- If the Executor cannot be found or fails in their duties, you can ask the Court to review their appointment.
- You could apply for the Will and Grant of Probate copy via the Probate Registry to confirm your status.
Typical timeline and delays
In simple estates, beneficiaries often hear from the Executors within a few weeks. More complex estates, such as those involving property, multiple assets, or potential disputes, can take several months before formal notification. Some estates include interim payments to beneficiaries before final distribution.
Final summary
Being named in a Will entitles you to information and clarity. Executors should notify you early in the process, keep you informed about your inheritance, and let you know who is administering the estate. If probate has been granted, you can also access a copy of the Will from the registry.
If you're unsure about your status or face delays, trusted legal advice can help clarify your rights and next steps.
