A will is a legal document that outlines an individual’s wishes regarding the distribution of their assets/property after their death. It is a crucial document that can help ensure a smooth and efficient distribution of assets to the rightful heirs. However, it is not always easy to know if a will has been filed and where it can be located. In this article, we will go over the steps you can take on how to find out if a will was filed.
6 Steps to Help You Find Out If a Will Was Filed
Here are 6 steps that will help you find out if a will was filed:
Step 1: Contact the Probate Court
The first step in finding out if a will has been filed is to contact the probate court in the county where the individual lived. The probate court is responsible for overseeing the distribution of assets according to the terms of a will. If a will has been filed, the probate court should have a record of it. You can contact the probate court by phone, email, or in person to request information about a will.
Step 2: Check with the Attorney
Another place to learn how to find out if a will has been filed is by contacting the individual’s attorney. If a will was written, the attorney who drafted the document would likely have a copy of it on file. If the individual used an attorney to create their will, they may also have filed it with the probate court.
Step 3: Look for a Safe Deposit Box
It is common for individuals to keep important documents, including their will, in a safe deposit box. If the individual had a safe deposit box, it may be worth checking to see if the will is located there. You can usually find out if the individual had a safe deposit box by contacting their bank or financial institution.
Step 4: Search for a Will Among Personal Papers
If the individual did not keep their will in a safe deposit box, it is possible that it was kept among their personal papers. You can check the individual’s home or office for any files or folders that may contain the will. It is also a good idea to check the individual’s computer or online accounts for any digital copies of the will.
Step 5: Check with Family Members
If you have been unable to locate a will through the steps listed above, it may be worth checking with other family members. Family members may have information about the will or have a copy of it in their possession. If there is no will, it may mean that the individual died intestate. Distributing the assets according to state law rather than the individual’s wishes would be the result.
Step 6: Check the U.S. Will Registry
Another option to locate estate documents, including a will, is to check the US Will Registry. The US Will Registry is a database that contains information on the location of estate documents. These documents include Living Wills and Last Wills for individuals who have passed away. The registry is designed to help families and estate administrators quickly locate important estate documents. To use the US Will Registry, you will need to provide the individual’s name, date of death, and last known address.
Conclusion on How to Find Out If a Will Has Been Filed
To find out if a will has been filed, you need to take important steps in the asset distribution process. Follow these steps, such as contacting the probate court, reaching out to the individual’s attorney, searching for a safe deposit box, checking personal papers, asking family members, and checking the U.S. Will Registry. Taking these steps will increase the likelihood of finding the will and ensuring the distribution of assets according to the deceased person’s wishes. If you still can’t find the will, consider consulting an attorney to help guide you through the probate process.
