Who Can See a Will in Queensland?
When a loved one passes away, it’s natural to want clarity around their wishes—especially about their Will. In Queensland, specific rules determine who has the right to see the Will.
Who Can Access the Original Will?
The person holding the original Will (often a lawyer or close family member) must allow certain people to view or get a copy. These include:
- Anyone named in the Will (even if they don’t inherit anything);
- Anyone named in an earlier version;
- Close relatives such as a spouse, children (including stepchildren), and parents;
- Someone with a financial or legal connection to the deceased, like someone owed money or a business partner.
Why Is This Important?
Knowing who can see a Will helps prevent confusion and keeps the administration process clear.
What to Do If You’re Unsure
If you don’t know whether you can see a Will or if you must provide a copy to someone who asked, seek professional legal advice.
Access to the Will While the Person Is Alive
The rules above only apply after a person passes away. While alive, they (or their substituted decision maker if they lose capacity) decide who can see the Will.