After a loved one passes away, it’s important to locate his or her will. This legal document truly sets the stage for what’s ahead and answers a lot of important questions, such as who is the executor of the estate and who are the beneficiaries.
Wills are kept in all kinds of places. Some store it at home in a safe, some keep it at their attorney’s office, and others file it with their local probate court. Thanks to technology, there are now ways to find a will online for free.
Use The U.S. Will Registry to Find a Missing Will Online
Not being able to find a will can negatively impact the decedent’s family by causing frustration and delays. Even if you find one, it’s also possible that a more recent will exists.
Founded in 1997, The U.S. Will Registry is an online search portal that taps into a national database registry of wills. This registry has information on the location of a person’s will as well as relevant contact information. The U.S. Will Registry has registrations dating back to 1967. Millions of wills are registered nationally and internationally.
The U.S. Will Registry’s registration process is free to the public and attorneys in an effort to make sure everyone is registered. To locate a missing will registration simply search by using the decedent’s name, birthdate, and state. What may be found can make a world of difference to your family’s future.
Find a Will Online Free Using the Probate Court
Before searching the decedent’s home for the will or calling their attorney, do an online search through the probate court in the county where the decedent lived. Keep in mind, not all counties call it a probate court. It may be referred to as an orphan’s court, surrogate’s court, superior court, or district court. Just locate the court that handles probate.
Probate courts may have different policies regarding fees for searching their database for a will. In many cases, searching for information within a probate court’s database is typically free or may involve only minimal administrative charges. However, fees can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the specific services they provide.
It’s advisable to check with the specific probate court in question to inquire about any potential fees associated with searching their database for a will. Many probate courts have official websites or contact information where you can get information about their services, including any costs involved. This will help you obtain accurate and up-to-date information about fees related to searching for a will in their database.
Getting a Copy of a Will from the Probate Court: A Step-by-Step Guide
When a loved one passes away, one of the critical tasks is obtaining a copy of their will from the probate court. This legal document holds valuable information about their final wishes and the distribution of their estate. While the process may vary depending on your location, here’s a general guide on how to get a copy of a will from the probate court.
Step 1: Identify the Probate Court:
Determine which probate court is handling the deceased person’s estate. This is typically the court located in the county where the person lived at the time of their death. You can often find this information through online searches or by contacting the county courthouse directly.
Step 2: Understand the Process:
Before you proceed, it’s important to understand that obtaining a copy of a will from the probate court may involve certain steps and potentially a fee. Be prepared to provide the necessary information and follow the court’s guidelines.
Step 3: Gather Required Information:
When requesting a copy of a will, you’ll likely need to provide the following information:
- The full name of the deceased person.
- The date of their death.
- The case number or file reference, if available.
Step 4: Visit the Probate Court:
In most cases, you’ll need to visit the probate court in person to request a copy of the will. Be sure to check the court’s operating hours and any specific requirements for visitors, such as identification or appointment procedures.
Step 5: Request the Copy:
When a loved one passes away, one critical task involves obtaining a copy of their will from the probate court. This legal document contains valuable information about their final wishes and the distribution of their estate. Although the process may vary depending on your location, this guide provides a general outline of how to obtain a copy of a will from the probate court
Step 6: Pay any Fees:
Depending on the court’s policies, there may be a fee for obtaining a copy of the will. Fees can vary widely and may be based on the number of pages or other factors. Be prepared to pay this fee, usually in cash or by accepted methods of payment.
Step 7: Review and Receive the Copy:
Once you’ve provided the required information and paid any fees, the court will provide you with a copy of the will. Review the copy to ensure its accuracy and completeness.
Step 8: Keep the Copy Safe:
After obtaining the copy of the will, keep it in a safe and secure place. This document is important for understanding the deceased person’s wishes and carrying out the distribution of their estate.
While acquiring a copy of a will from the probate court might encompass several steps, it remains a pivotal undertaking that grants you insight into your loved one’s intentions. By actively following these steps and preparing for possible fees, you can effectively secure a copy of the will and skillfully navigate the subsequent stages of estate settlement.
