Finding a Will

Photo by Duong Tran Quoc on Unsplash

Finding a loved one’s will after they pass away can be difficult. Normally, the existence and location of a will is shared with a close family member or friend, but this is not always the case. If after asking your loved one’s closest friends and family you are still no closer to finding it, there are a number of places where people regularly store their will for safekeeping.

With their solicitor

Some people consult a solicitor when drafting a will, which often means that the solicitor keeps a copy. You can find your loved one’s solicitor by looking at other legal documents they may have. It is likely that your loved one would have kept these type of documents in a safe place, so desks, filing cabinets and offices are a good place to look.

At their home

You don’t need to consult a solicitor to make a will, all it takes is writing it down and signing it in the presence of witnesses. Because of this, some people write their own will at home.

The will might still be in your loved one’s home. Try looking where other important documents are kept, or anywhere they hide valuable items for safe-keeping.

Will writing and storing companies

Part of the appeal of these companies is that they are often cheaper than a solicitor, while being a more reliable place to store your will than in a filing cabinet at home. They tend to contact their clients by e-mail, so if you have access to your loved one’s email account, you may be able to find out whether they were using one of these companies.

Before they send you a copy of a will, most will storing companies will ask you to provide your loved one’s death certificate and proof that you’re the executor.

The Probate Service

The Probate Service stores wills so that executors and other loved ones can access it as soon as they need to. You can search online or contact the Probate Service to find out whether they have your loved one’s will.