Genealogy Chat

Hi All
I have relatives of my husband who both have sealed wills. Could someone give me some ideas why wills are usually sealed.
Thanks in anticipation.

Googling for an answer

"A Will is "sealed" when the money, property or whatever being disposed of (assets) are in a different country to that in whiuch the Will is being proved.

So, a Will being proved in England, but which disposes of assets in Scotland, say, is a Sealed Will."
http://www.genealogistsforum.co.uk/forum/archive/index.php?t-8581.html

A simliar posting here
http://www.genealogy-specialists.com/threads/sealed-wills.4686/

A different explanation
" The purpose of a Grant of Probate is to prove to third parties who may hold assets belonging to the deceased that the executor does have legal authority and is entitled by law to deal with the assets. In most cases a third party will not co-operate with the executor until they have seen the Grant of Probate or a copy of the Grant of Probate that has been sealed by the Probate Office"
http://www.bbcbasic.com/probate.html

In the 2nd instance, a 'Seal' would be an official stamp. Originally it would have been a wax inpression such as that made by a signet ring.

Try googling " why are wills sealed" or "sealed wills". There are various explanations under a number of headings, mainly on genealogy forums.

Thanks for your replies. +++detCective+++ the first part of your reply fits the circumstances exactly.

Thanks once again.