How to Find a Will

When someone dies, you might not always know whether they had a will, or where the will is kept, especially if they passed unexpectedly.  It may be in some instances that the Executor isn't Willing to share details with you and it may be that you wish to challenge them in court.

So, what do you do to locate a Will,  where do you start?  We have put together a guide with a few ways to find a Will before or after it is filled for Probate.

Before Probate is Granted.

• Check their home. Firstly, you  should be sure  to check the home of the person who’s died for either the document itself or, if a solicitor helped to create the will, their contact details. Be aware that going though their belongings can be emotionally difficult – ask someone to help you look if you need support.  It may be a Will has been registered with a Solicitor or a Will Register like Harrisons Asset Solutions Will Register and a Certificate of registration my be amongst their personal effects.
• Check with local solicitors. If the person who’s died has had any other legal help in the years before their death – for example, if they divorced or moved house – then a solicitor may have been involved. Try contacting them first; if they don’t have the will, try contacting other solicitors near the home of the person who has died.  This can be a daunting task,  especially if the deceased has moved to several different locations.  Organisations like Harrisons Asset Search Solutions perform geographical and national searches of solicitors and Will writers on behalf of executors and this should be considered as a full due diligent approach.
• Check Harrisons Asset Search Solutions Will Register. If you use their Will Search service you can not only check their registered wills but also any non-registered wills in a specific location. The cost of this search is reclaimable as a legitimate expense from the estate should you proceed as executor.

Find a will after probate

If the will is held by a solicitor, you will only be able to see it if you’ve been named as an executor.  As part of the administration process  a grant of probate is often needed before anyone can start settling the estate.  Once the Grant is issued,  a copy will be stored by the Government and viewable by anyone.

How to find the will of a deceased person online in England and Wales:

In England and Wales, probate records from 1858 onwards are searchable on their online database. You can also fill in form PA1S

and send it by post.

To access these documents, you’ll need:

• The full name of the person who’s died as it appeared on their death certificate
• The date of their death
• Their last known address

It usually takes about  two weeks after probate is granted before you can apply. It costs £10 to get copies of the will and the grant of probate. If you’re not the executor and you’re not sure when probate will be applied for, you can set up a standing search for about six months. This also costs £10, and can be renewed.

Making you Own Will

Ensuring you last requests are honoured upon your passing and to avoid disputes it is sensible to put your wishes in writing and leave a Will.  You can make your own will at home for as little as £20 but we would also suggest speaking with an expert Will Writer and taking advice to ensure your last requests are recorded correctly and more importantly are valid. Harrisons Asset Search Solutions have established a Panel of Will Writers who are on hand to discuss your requirements via a no obligation consultation.  Refer to one of our Will Writer Panel Members and we will include Free Will Registration to our Will Register. Find out more and start you will writing journey today.

Administerting someones estate? We can help

We have provided information on Finding a Will and even writing a Will, but you might be wondering who can help you settle the estate once you find it.

Harrisons Asset Search Solutions is Part of Harrisons Probate Solutions Group, we offer a   FULL range of quick and comprehensive estate administration services along with an extensive panel of Probate Solicitors and Probate Professionals on hand to assist with everything from Locating next of kin or beneficiaries, Grant document completion to Probate Property Services and Sales. View a full range of services in our Brochure or contact us today 01923 693784 or email info@harrisonsprobate.com