Authorised Representative FAQ
Common questions and answers about your role as an Authorised Representative.
General Questions
Q: What exactly is an Authorised Representative?
A: An Authorised Representative is a trusted person designated by a Will Owner to access their will documents and estate planning information. You're responsible for acting on their behalf when needed and ensuring their wishes are carried out.
Q: How many Will Owners can I be a representative for?
A: There's no limit to how many Will Owners you can represent. Each invitation is independent, and you'll see all your responsibilities in one dashboard.
Q: Can I decline an invitation?
A: Yes. Simply don't accept the invitation within the 7-day window, and it will expire. Alternatively, you can contact the Will Owner directly to discuss your concerns before the invitation expires.
Q: Can I resign from my role as a representative?
A: Yes, but you should discuss this with the Will Owner first. Contact our support team for assistance with the process. The Will Owner will need to designate a new representative to replace you.
Invitation & Access Questions
Q: My invitation expired. What should I do?
A: Contact the Will Owner and ask them to resend the invitation. They can do this from their Representatives dashboard. Once resent, you'll have another 7 days to accept.
Q: I didn't receive the invitation email. Where should I look?
A: First, check your spam/junk folder. Emails come from The International Will Registry. If you still can't find it, ask the Will Owner to verify the email address they used and resend the invitation if necessary.
Q: When can I access the Will Owner's documents?
A: You can access documents immediately after accepting your invitation and your status becomes Active. However, full access to sensitive information is typically granted when the Will Owner is marked as deceased or has explicitly authorized your access.
Q: Can I access documents on mobile devices?
A: Yes! The International Will Registry is fully responsive. You can access, view, and download documents from any device with a web browser (phone, tablet, computer).
Documents & Files Questions
Q: What types of files can I download?
A: You can download PDFs, images (JPG, PNG), Word documents (DOC, DOCX), and other file types that the Will Owner has uploaded. Each will registration can have up to 5 attached files.
Q: Are downloaded files encrypted?
A: Files are encrypted during download (in transit) and stored encrypted on our servers. Once downloaded to your device, they're standard files, so you're responsible for keeping them secure on your device.
Q: Can I edit or delete the Will Owner's documents?
A: No. As a representative, you have read-only access. Only the Will Owner can edit or delete their will registrations and documents. This protects the integrity of their estate planning.
Q: How do I know if documents have been updated?
A: Each will registration shows a "Last Updated" timestamp. Check this regularly to ensure you're working with the most current information. Consider setting a reminder to check periodically.
Responsibilities & Actions Questions
Q: What should I do if the Will Owner passes away?
A: You'll be notified by Emergency Contacts through the platform. Access all will documents, download necessary files, and begin the process of executing the will according to its terms and local laws. Consult with legal counsel if needed.
Q: Can I share documents with other people?
A: Only if it's necessary for executing the will and authorized by the will's terms. Always maintain confidentiality and only share with parties who need the information (e.g., lawyers, beneficiaries, financial institutions).
Q: What if there are multiple representatives and we disagree?
A: Try to resolve disagreements through discussion. If the will specifies how decisions should be made, follow those guidelines. If you can't reach agreement, consult with legal counsel or a mediator.
Q: Am I legally liable as a representative?
A: Your legal liability depends on the specific terms of your appointment and local laws. Generally, you're expected to act in good faith and in the best interests of the Will Owner. Consult with legal counsel for specific guidance on your responsibilities and potential liabilities.
Security & Privacy Questions
Q: Is my access to documents tracked?
A: Yes. For security and transparency, all document access (viewing and downloading) is logged. This helps ensure accountability and protects the Will Owner's information.
Q: How secure is The International Will Registry?
A: We use industry-standard encryption (in transit and at rest), Row-Level Security policies in our database, and regular security audits. All access is authenticated and monitored.
Q: What should I do if I suspect unauthorized access?
A: Contact our support team immediately. Change your password and notify the Will Owner. We take security seriously and will investigate any suspicious activity.
Q: Can I use the same account for personal wills and representative duties?
A: Yes! Your account can serve multiple purposes. You can be a Will Owner for your own wills, an Authorised Representative for others, and/or an Emergency Contact—all in one account.
If you encounter any issues, we're here to help:
- Check our FAQ section for common solutions
- Contact our support team at info@theinternationalwillregistry.com