How can you find out if someone who died had a Will?

Get Legal Help Today

Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

How can you find out if someone who died had a Will?

My grandpa passed away and we think he had a Will,but we can’t find anything in his possession. How can we find out if there is one or not?

Asked on July 9, 2011 under Estate Planning, Arizona

Answers:

M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 12 years ago | Contributor

I assume that you have questioned his friends and other family members. If that's been of no use then if he had a safety deposit box I'd start there. If that's not successful then go through any papers you can find in file cabinets and desk drawers. Basically look anywhere and everywhere - even the tackle box in the back of the closet or between the pages of a bible.  If you still don't find a Will, be on the look out for a letter or business card from an attorney.  If you find communications from an attorney, contact that person and ask if they drafted one for your grandfather; if the attorney has retired you can contact the state bar association to get their contact information.  If you can't find any information about an attorney, contact any other advisers that your grandfather may used. A financial planner or accountant may know something.  If you have a vague recollection of him mentioning a Will being done just start calling attorneys in town to see if they drafted a Will for your grandfather. You could also place a "Lost Will" ad in the local paper. Finally, check with the Probate Court in the county where he resided.  It is possible that a Will was filed with the Court when it was executed. 


IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.

Get Legal Help Today

Find the right lawyer for your legal issue.

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption