Having your own will is imperative ensuring that your assets, property and finances are protected for the future, when you pass away. It’s an uncomfortable topic that sometimes isn’t openly discussed as much as it should be. We have spoken before in previous blogs about the vital significance of having a will, and what happens if you die without a will.
But it does actually happen. According to recent statistics, 60% of UK adults don’t have their own will. In these cases, the state decides how assets are distributed, leading to more than £8 million being given to the government last year. Here’s what you need to do to find a will in the case that a friend or relative dies and you don’t know where their legal document is…
Finding A Will At Home…
The very first place you should look to find a will is in the deceased’s home. Often people will have a copy of their own will or have the relevant contact details for the solicitor they used at the time. This can be a difficult process, so make sure that you take your time, find a trusted friend or family member to do it with you and only when you’re ready.
You may also want to look for a letter of wishes and/or codicil, as these are important documents. A letter of wishes explains certain things in their will and may include what they would like at their funeral, but this isn’t legally binding. A codicil is, however, a legally binding document that is made to make changes to the original will.
Searching For A Will At A Law Firm…
If you haven’t found the will at home, but you have found the details of a solicitors office, that is the next place you should look. It is often advised that you keep a copy of you will at home, with your solicitor, at a bank and in England and Wales at the Principal Registry of the Family Division of the High Court, a District Registry or Probate Sub-Registry. In some cases, there may, therefore, be a copy at a law firm, so it’s always worth checking.
Check For The Will At The National Will Register…
Another way to find a will is by checking at the National Will Register. A number of solicitors use this and leave a record of any wills created at their law firm. As an alternative, you can also use the Government’s website to search for probate records. Something to note is that these options are a paid service so you will have to pay to try and find your will.
Why May You Need To Find A Will?
As briefly mentioned it is so important to have your will, and so many people in the UK don’t have one. Not having your own will can cause a lot of problems and worry for your family after you pass away. You may need to find a will, in the case that your family believe you don’t have your own will or the one you have cannot be found.
If you need any support in creating your own will or finding one get in touch with our team today. We can help you to understand wills and testaments and important things such as a last will search, how to find someone’s will online and how to find the lawyer that wrote a will.
