Joining on behalf of an Estate?

Copyright lasts for 70 years after an author’s death, so if you’re a beneficiary of an author, you’re eligible to join ALCS. A writer’s will might specify who inherits the copyright in a work. Otherwise, it simply falls into their estate.

We can pay multiple beneficiaries of an estate. But if the payments are relatively small, we recommend that only one representative joins (with the permission of the others).

HOW TO JOIN

If you’re the beneficiary of an estate, you can join ALCS by:

• downloading the successor member application form
• providing details of your eligibility (the relevant clause of the will, or a copy of the Grant of Probate*).

*What if I don’t have access to the Grant of Probate or Will?

The GOV.UK website allows the public to search for and order a copy of a probate record (including a will, if there is one). However, this only applies to England and Wales – not Scotland or Northern Ireland.

Each copy of a probate record ordered online costs a small fee (currently £1.50). Click here for further information.