Please can anyone tell me if a will that was left on an open Laptop is legal in england. The will had to have been left by the deceased (a very close relative) as no one else had access to it.
Thank you in advance for any answers. Please this is not a joke question so if possible keep the snide answers to yourself.
2007-01-28 12:32:55 · 11 answers · asked by O Him 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
It has to comply with the wills act 1837 s.9, it is only indicatory in nature and will not give rise for a beneficiary to enforce title, ie equity will not assist a volunteer in this case.
2007-01-29 04:44:15 · answer #1 · answered by logicalawyer 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would not think it is legal. Wills have to be notarized with witnesses signatures. I doubt it will hold up in court, anyone could have done it. The person who died and left the Last Will and Testament should have printed it out, taken it with a couple of witnesses to file at court house or have witnesses sign in front of notary that they knew this was the wish of the person making the will. I think this is a lame duck, want float in court.
2007-01-28 12:41:08 · answer #2 · answered by m c 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
more than likely it won't be legal...
a legal last will and testament needs to be witnessed by at least two other people, signed by them and the person who's will it is. you can't prove that nobody else had access to the laptop, so without witnesses - no good, sorry
get in touch with your local law centre (there should be one nearby that runs a free clinic once a week), or to your nearest citizens advice bureau (personally i find these guys useless - but they do help a lot of people)
2007-01-28 12:40:13 · answer #3 · answered by Big Bad Ben 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As far as I'm aware, a will is not seen as legally binding in this country unless it has been signed and witnessed. You may find that your relative's estate will go to probate (in other words, the bulk of the estate will go to their closest surviving relative, if more than one, the estate will be split equally, after any applicable taxes).
2007-01-28 12:46:29 · answer #4 · answered by Paul The Rock Ape 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i am sorry about loss of one of your
family it is going to be hard as any one
could have typed it out if you find a
printed copy you have a chance
but still don't mess around with the
lap top and seek legal advise
straight away all the best
2007-01-28 13:00:26 · answer #5 · answered by S Csparky 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It has to have been signed in front of a witness to be legal. Electronic signatures do not count.
2007-01-28 13:10:18 · answer #6 · answered by fr 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A legal will would have to be signed by the person and signed by a witness. If it is not signed it is not legal.
2007-01-28 12:41:34 · answer #7 · answered by Taba 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
are you joking. of course its not legal. it wont even have the persons signature on for starters. plus you normally need to go through all the legal rubbish.
2007-01-28 12:41:33 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Great question. I have done the same and now I too am wondering if such a will would hold up in court.
2007-01-28 12:49:40 · answer #9 · answered by ncgirl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nice try but not a chance.
I'm surprised you don't ask a solicitor though- instead of THIS bunch?
2007-01-28 12:41:25 · answer #10 · answered by Not Ecky Boy 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋