Will and accidental death.

[RegD]

If a person dies in an accident and there hasn't yet been an inquest (and therefore no death certificate), can the will be read and executed before the death certificate is issued?
Thanks - RegD

[Wop/tpo]

Would not have thought so. No death certificate, so what proves the death to enable an executor to gain access to
funds and/ or property of the deceased.

[RegD]

The coroner can issue (in a case such as this), a "Certificate of Evidence of Death" to help in various legal matters.

Just wondered if it was sufficient for will purposes!

RegD

[themas]

There is nothing to stop the will being read - that is just something which sometimes gets done by the executor reading it to the interested parties.

Ask the Probate Office helpline (google it) whether probate can be obtained before a death certificate is issued.