User:The C of E/rotw

The Reading of the Will is a legal fiction that asserts that in order for a last will and testament to be legal, it must be read out by the deceased's solicitor in the presence of all heirs and successors named in it. However this is not a legal requirement in most jurisdictions and is mostly used in media portrayals for dramatic effect.

Background
The notion of the Reading of the Will has a number of theories as to how it came about. Some asserted it was done mostly historically as many people were illiterate in the past and needed to be told what their inheritance was. Others assert it is nothing more than something that was invented just for films.

Legal basis
The reading of the will is not a legal requirement in Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States. However, in the United States, the Executor of the Estate can request a formal reading but only those named in the will and designated heirs will be invited.