Writing a Will is the best way to ensure that you have some say over what happens to your estate and your assets after your death. However, in order to write a Will – or take up the role of an Executor for Probate purposes, you will need to prove your identity.
There is a very good reason for this – it is a Will writer’s duty to ensure that you really are who you say you are when writing your Will, and that you are in a position to dictate what should happen with the deceased’s assets after their death in the role of an Executor.
That means proving both your identity and where you live. Thankfully, there are many different ways that you can do this:
Proof of identity
Any of the following are generally acceptable as proof of identity:
- Birth certificate
- Passport
- Driving Licence
- Armed Forces ID card
- Residence permit (for non-EU citizens)
- HM Revenue & Customs Tax Document (such as a self-assessment)
- Firearms Certificate
- Police or other Government Department ID card
- Benefit book or notification letter outlining the right to benefits
Proof of address
Generally, Will writing professionals will accept any of the following as proof of residency, so long as you haven’t already used them as proof of your identity as well:
- A household utility bill (such as gas and electricity – dated within the previous 3 months)
- Driving Licence
- Bank statement
- Benefit book or notification letter outlining the right to benefits
- House or car insurance certificate
- Council Tax statement
- Local Authority rent card or Tenancy Agreement
With all of these documents, it’s important to remember that you will generally have to produce the originals, rather than copies, so make sure you have your documents in order well in advance of the appointment to make your Will.
Likewise, if you are an Executor of someone else’s Will and it is stored securely ‘off-site’ with a professional firm, you will be asked to provide proof of your identity – along with a copy of the deceased’s death certificate – before the Will is released to you.
For more information or advice in relation to writing a Will or the role of an Executor, please contact Heir Tight Wills. We can assist in every step of the way from helping you put in place robust provisions and valid documents to protect your loved ones and your assets both during your lifetime and after your death, to assisting those you leave behind after your death.
For a FREE Consultation to discuss writing or updating your Will & estate planning provisions, contact Rachael Rodgers on 0845 519 7585, or CONTACT US via email.