To ensure that the estate of a loved one who has passed away is handled properly, we will look at various methods or options for how to look up a will online.
After someone dies many things need to be taken care of. Firstly, paying off any debts they may have had as well as getting all their paperwork in order and starting the probate process. Try to find out if they left behind any written instructions about how they wanted their affairs handled after death. Most importantly, determine where you can obtain another copy of the person’s Last Will and Testament. In this section, we shall discuss different ways through which you can effectively locate a will to ease and speed up the settling of the estate process.
It may seem strange but people spend much of their lives preparing for death. They want to ensure that everything goes according to plan when the inevitable happens – including writing down what they would like done with each asset or heirloom once they’re gone. Therefore, it can be quite shocking if such legally binding documents cannot be found after someone has died because there are no rules governing where an original should be stored once signed by its creator.
How To Look For A Copy Of Somebody’s Will
Online Search
Hopefully, the deceased registered his or her will online so you need to check that out first. This is quite simple because most people use internet services nowadays anyway. You may not see the full electronic version there but at least it’ll give clues on how to locate the original copy somewhere else. This will allow for the probate proceedings initiation.
The U.S. Will Registry
One valuable source on how to find a copy of a will is through The U.S. Will Registry’s search for a missing will. Attorneys and the public register their wills for free to assist their families in finding a lost will. With this information, they can easily know how to locate the missing will. This will in turn make it easier for them to execute the wishes of their deceased loved ones.
No Record Found on The U.S. Will Registry
When all else fails especially after having searched through The U.S Will Registry without success, know that the Will Registry will submit your search information into their “missing will database”. This database is available to all attorneys to cross-reference their client’s files. This allows attorneys to be aware that a client’s family member is looking for a missing will they may hold. The registry provides an easy way of finding lost wills due to their commitment to reuniting families with lost will documents.
If you have a will, make certain you take advantage of the free will registry.
Search Government Website
Another source for how to look up a will online is to to check the county clerk’s office, where the executor might have filed the will. The probate location is usually in the county where the deceased lived at the time of death. Once you know the probate location, visit the (county).gov website and search using the deceased’s last name. In the event the property is in other counties, you may need to check those locations as well.
If the will has been admitted to the probate court, it is now a matter of public record and you can access the information related to the will, However, be prepared, as what you find may be a simplified version that might not include everything you are looking for. If the website does not provide you with your needs, the county clerk’s office can be reached by phone and/or e-mail.
The county clerk may be able to send you copies of the probate file by facsimile or mail, or you can appear at the courthouse. Should the records of the probate proceedings be made available to the public, the Will should also be made available. If there are records that are ordered sealed due to an intervening legal reason, then such documents may not be viewed.
Physical Search
If there’s nothing found online, then start looking around the diseased person’s home. Check every single potential hiding place there might be:
- Bedrooms including closets under beds. Furniture drawers.
- Kitchens with cupboards.
- Basements or attics
- Garages where tools are stored
- Bathrooms cabinets
- Living rooms under carpets, behind artwork
- Beneath furniture pieces such as sofas armchairs
Other Searches:
- Contact any attorney working with deceased clients in the past. Search back many years.
- Try calling accountants employed by them as well. These professionals may have been entrusted with their last will and testament while they were alive.
- Don’t forget to call the bank which holds accounts for that individual. Inquire if they ever had a safety deposit during their lifetime as the last will could’ve been kept inside one of those.
Is It Necessary To Have An Original Will In Order For Me To Apply For Probate?
For probate, it is always best to generate an original will. Usually, the court will assume that the person who made the will intentionally destroyed it to revoke it, when an original will cannot be produced. In this case, the court treats their property as if they died without a will. Consequently, the court gives away the property according to the state law which usually benefits relatives in blood. When a will can’t be found, they are said to have died intestate.
Nonetheless, it is possible to establish what a copy of a will says. Every state has its own regulations for achieving this and you should consult with a probate lawyer from your state who can help explain your options better. At least one must provide an account of why they don’t have the original document, such as it got burnt down in a fire or any other disaster. This becomes messy if someone challenges whether or not this testament is valid.
Having the original will make the probate process much easier and faster. Many times, these originals also include self-proving affidavits. These are notarized documents that verify the validity of wills and can expedite the probate process by saving time.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, ensuring that a loved one’s estate is properly handled after their passing requires careful attention to various legal steps, including locating their Last Will and Testament. Whether searching online, or using trusted resources like The U.S. Will Registry, or conducting a physical search, knowing the options available for locating a will can ease the often complex and emotional probate process. Taking advantage of free services like will registration and ensuring key documents are easily accessible can significantly reduce stress and confusion during an already difficult time. If the original will cannot be found, it’s essential to consult with a probate lawyer to explore alternative solutions for settling the estate.
