When a loved one passes away, it’s natural to want clarity around their wishes—especially when it comes to their Will. In Queensland, there are rules about who has a right to see the Will.
The person who holds the original Will (often a lawyer or close family member) must allow certain people to see or get a copy of it. This includes:
- anyone named in the Will (even if they don’t end up receiving anything);
- anyone who was named in an earlier version;
- close relatives—like a spouse, children (including stepchildren), and parents; and
- someone who had a financial or legal connection with the deceased – like being owed money or being in business together.
Understanding who can view a Will helps avoid confusion and ensures the administration process is transparent.
If you’re unsure whether you’re entitled to see a Will or whether you are obliged to provide a copy to someone who has requested it, seek professional legal advice.
Note, the rules above only apply to a person who has passed away.
While a person is alive, they (or their substituted decision maker if they have lost capacity) will decide who gets to see the Will.