Last Will and Testament
Notarisation and Apostille Services for Last Will and Testament
Ensuring that your Last Will and Testament is legally binding and recognized outside of the UK is essential for carrying out your final wishes. At Wharf Notaries, we offer professional notarisation and legalisation services to authenticate your Last Will and Testament for use abroad. Our experienced team will guide you through every step, providing a reliable and efficient process to ensure your document’s validity.
What Is a Last Will and Testament?
A Last Will and Testament is a legal document that specifies an individual’s wishes for the distribution of their assets after their passing. This document ensures that their final requests are carried out in a legally recognised, binding manner.
Assets in a Will can include:
- Property
- Money
- Personal belongings
The Will appoints an executor, responsible for following its instructions. It also identifies beneficiaries who should receive specific assets or funds, and outlines care provisions for any dependents.
Why Would You Need Notarisation and an Apostille Certificate for a Last Will and Testament?
Notarisation and an apostille certificate may be essential for a Last Will and Testament, especially when dealing with international legalities or when required by authorities outside the UK.
To be legally valid in the UK, a Will must be signed in the presence of at least two witnesses. The testator (person creating the Will) and both witnesses must sign the document together, which helps confirm that the Will represents the testator’s true intentions and mitigates the risk of fraud. Though UK law does not require a notary or solicitor to witness a Will, many individuals choose to do so for added legal assurance.
An apostille certificate may be necessary if the Will is being executed or processed in a foreign country, as it verifies the document’s authenticity and can meet specific international requirements for recognition.
Process for Notarising and Apostilling a Last Will and Testament
At Wharf Notaries, we provide efficient and affordable services to guide you through the apostille process for your Last Will and Testament. Here’s how it works:
- Client Registration: Start by completing our Client Registration Form to establish your account.
- Notarisation: Once registered, we will assist you in notarising the document, confirming that both the testator and witnesses have signed it voluntarily.
- Certification and Apostille: After notarisation, we will submit your document for certification and obtain an apostille from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
- Document Return: After obtaining the apostille, we will send you a PDF scan of the apostilled document and return the original to you.
For your Last Will and Testament to be apostilled, it must be submitted to the FCDO. We have two legalisation counters in London (for Premium Service) and in Milton Keynes (for Standard Service).
We offer:
- Same-Day Apostille Service for urgent requests.
- Standard Apostille Service, which typically takes 3-5 working days if you have more time.
In some cases, you may need Consular Legalisation after the apostille. Our experienced team can advise you on this requirement and assist you throughout the process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Last Will and Testament
What is the purpose of notarising a Last Will and Testament?
Notarisation ensures that a Last Will and Testament is recognised as an authentic document, adding credibility when presented abroad. It verifies that the testator and witnesses signed voluntarily and with awareness of the document’s contents.
Is it necessary to have a Last Will and Testament notarised if it’s already signed by witnesses?
Not necessarily for UK use, but notarisation may be required if the Will is to be used internationally. Some countries require notarised documents to ensure compliance with local legal standards.
How long does it take to apostille a Last Will and Testament?
Our Premium Service provides same-day apostille certification, while our Standard Service completes the process in approximately 3–5 working days.
Do all countries require an apostille for a Last Will and Testament?
No, not all countries require an apostille. However, many that are signatories to the Hague Apostille Convention do. We can advise if additional consular legalisation is needed based on the destination country.
How much does it cost to notarise and apostille a Last Will and Testament?
Costs vary depending on the services required. Please contact us for a detailed quote.
Can I make changes to my Will after notarisation and legalisation?
Yes, but any changes require notarisation and legalisation of the amended Will to ensure the updated version is legally recognised abroad. Each new version of the Will needs fresh verification.