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Executors & Bereavement Support

Last updated: 25 September 2026

The short version

  • We're very sorry for your loss. We'll make this as simple as we can, wherever you are.
  • If someone you know used OpenWill, email bereavement@openwill.app and we'll guide you through what happens next.
  • OpenWill doesn't replace probate or the equivalent legal process in your country. You may still need to apply for legal authority to deal with the estate.

1. If you're an executor named on OpenWill

If the person was a Live Will member, you'll have received an invitation from us when they named you. To start the release process:

  1. Sign in to OpenWill with the account you used to accept your invitation.
  2. Follow the steps to confirm the death and securely provide an official death certificate or the equivalent document issued in the relevant country. If it is not in English, we may ask for a certified English translation.
  3. A second executor must also confirm independently. We'll let you know when they have.
  4. OpenWill reviews the evidence and both independent confirmations before approving release. Nothing is released while that review is incomplete.
  5. Once release is complete, each beneficiary will be able to see the documents and allocations meant for them.

You don't need to do everything at once. You can take this at your own pace.

2. If you're not sure whether they used OpenWill

Email bereavement@openwill.app with:

  • the person's full name, date of birth and country of residence;
  • the email address they may have used, if you know it;
  • your name and your relationship to them; and
  • a copy of the death certificate, or the official equivalent in their country.

For privacy reasons, we can only share information with people the account holder named, or with someone who has legal authority over the estate, such as an executor or administrator appointed by a court or registry.

3. If the person was a free member

Free members' wills aren't released automatically. The original signed will is usually wherever they kept it: at home, with a lawyer, at a bank, or with a will storage or registry service. Get in touch, and we'll help as far as we're allowed to.

4. What OpenWill can and can't do

We can:

  • tell you whether you've been named in someone's OpenWill plans (if you're entitled to know);
  • run the Live Will release process; and
  • help you access the documents meant for you.

We can't:

  • give legal advice about the estate;
  • give anyone legal authority to deal with the estate. That usually comes from a court or registry, for example a grant of probate, letters of administration or letters testamentary, depending on the country; or
  • hold a paper original. Live Will can store the completed, electronically signed and sealed PDF in its private vault.

5. Practical next steps

The exact steps depend on the country where the person lived and where their assets are. In most places, you'll need to:

  • register the death with the local authorities and get official copies of the death certificate;
  • find the original signed will;
  • find out whether you need legal authority to deal with the estate, and apply for it if so;
  • notify banks, insurers, employers and government bodies; and
  • speak to a local lawyer if the estate is complex, or includes assets in more than one country.

A few country examples:

  • United Kingdom: register the death within 5 days in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, or within 8 days in Scotland. Where available, the government's Tell Us Once service notifies several departments at the same time. Guidance on probate is on GOV.UK, mygov.scot and nidirect.
  • United States: probate is handled by the probate court (or equivalent) in the county where the person lived. Rules vary by state.
  • Nigeria: applications for probate or letters of administration are made to the Probate Registry of the High Court in the relevant state.

These are examples only. Always follow the official guidance where the person lived and where their assets are located.

6. Looking after yourself

Grief can be overwhelming, and there's no right way to feel. Please reach out to people you trust, or to a local bereavement support service. In the UK, Cruse Bereavement Support offers free support on 0808 808 1677.

7. If you received a message about someone who's still alive

If you've been asked to confirm the death of someone who you know is alive, please don't confirm it. Contact us straight away at bereavement@openwill.app.

If you're an OpenWill member and you've received a message saying your release process has started, sign in immediately and contact bereavement@openwill.app. We will pause the release while the report is investigated.

8. Contact us

bereavement@openwill.app We aim to reply to bereavement enquiries within 2 working days.