Most of us assume that when someone dies, their Will becomes public. It’s part of the process: transparency helps prevent fraud, makes sure the right people inherit, and lets creditors know what’s going on. But this week, the High Court did something very rare: it sealed a will for 70 years.

The case involved a man who died in 2023. He wasn’t a royal or a celebrity, but his life was surrounded by controversy. For years, he faced allegations of being an informer against the Provisional IRA, claims he always denied. The UK Government never confirmed or denied the story, but the man received death threats throughout his life. Even after his death, the risk didn’t go away.

Normally, Wills are open to inspection under the law. But there’s an exception: if making a Will public would be “undesirable or inappropriate.” In this case, the court agreed that publishing the Will could put people in real danger, including the person who stepped forward to handle the estate. That person, using the name Michael Johnson, asked the court to seal the Will and keep his identity secret. The Attorney-General backed him, and the hearing was held behind closed doors.

The judge decided that none of the usual reasons for public access applied here. The Will was standard, the death was widely reported, and there was no pressing public interest. Safety came first. The result? The will is sealed for 70 years, and special measures mean the estate can still be managed and taxes paid without revealing its contents.

For most of us, our Wills will still be public, so it's important to seek professional advice when making a Will. 

A solicitor can guide and advise about what should be included and, perhaps just as importantly, what should stay out of your Will and perhaps be dealt with by some other testamentary document, such as a Letter of Wishes.