In the quest to ascertain the custodian of a testamentary instrument, one may commence their investigation by reaching out to the kith and kin or intimate acquaintances of the departed, in the hopes of acquiring any pertinent details. Alternatively, one may delve into the personal archives of the deceased, make contact with the nearby probate registry, or solicit the aid of a seasoned professional in the field of will location.
For those who wish to receive additional information
Finding out which solicitor holds a will can be a challenging task, but there are several steps you can take to uncover this information. Here is a detailed guide to help you in your search:
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Start by researching the personal archives of the deceased: Look through personal papers, documents, or safe deposits belonging to the deceased. Check any files, folders, or boxes kept securely by the individual, as they might contain information about the solicitor who holds the will.
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Reach out to close family members and friends: Contact immediate family members, close friends, or acquaintances of the deceased. They may have knowledge of the solicitor who handled the creation of the will. Inquire about any legal professionals the person may have mentioned or had regular contact with regarding their estate planning.
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Contact the deceased person’s accountant or financial advisor: Often, individuals who manage someone’s financial affairs maintain records of the solicitor who drafted their will. Reach out to the deceased person’s accountant or financial advisor to check if they have any information about the will or the solicitor involved.
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Contact the local probate registry: If the above steps do not yield results, get in touch with the probate registry in the area where the deceased resided. Inquire if they have any record of the will being lodged with them. While they may not disclose specific solicitor information, they might be able to confirm if a current will exists and provide guidance on locating it.
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Seek the assistance of a professional will locator: In some cases, it may be beneficial to hire a professional will locator or a probate genealogist who specializes in tracking down wills and related documents. These experts have access to resources and databases that can aid in finding the solicitor who holds the will.
Remember, the process of locating a solicitor who holds a will can vary based on jurisdiction and the circumstances surrounding the will. Patience and thoroughness are critical during this search.
Interesting facts about locating wills:
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Famous wills have often sparked curiosity and intense searches to uncover their content. For example, the will of renowned physicist Albert Einstein, which was discovered in a cookie jar in his New Jersey home after his passing.
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In some cases, wills are kept with solicitors, while others may be stored in safe deposit boxes, at home, or with institutions specializing in will storage.
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The Laws of Intestacy determines how an estate is distributed if a valid will cannot be located. These laws may vary across jurisdictions.
Aristotle once said, “The law is reason free from passion.” This quote highlights the importance of legal processes and due diligence when searching for a will’s custodian.
Table: Sample Comparison of Various Will Location Methods
Method | Pros | Cons |
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Researching personal archives | Familiarity with the deceased’s personal belongings | Time-consuming; potential lack of relevant information |
Contacting family and friends | Access to potential insider information | Reliability of information may vary; not always fruitful |
Contacting the probate registry | Official records and guidance | Cannot disclose solicitor information; may require legal authorization |
Hiring a professional will locator | Expertise and specialized resources | Cost involved; success not guaranteed |
Video answer to “How can I find out which solicitor holds a will?”
In this video, Adrian Corbould explains that certain individuals, including spouses, children, and anyone named in a will, can request a copy of a will after the person’s death. Solicitors or executors who hold a copy of the will must provide it to these individuals upon request. After probate is granted, the will becomes a public document and anyone can obtain a copy by applying to the Supreme Court. Failure to provide a requested copy of the will can result in legal action.
See more answers I found
In situations where the deceased used a solicitor or other professional to write their Will, likely, this professional would still be holding the Will for them. Get in touch with their solicitor. If you are the Executor, you would be eligible to obtain the Will from whoever is storing it. 3. Carry out a Will search
Get in touch with their solicitor (or ring around multiple solicitors if you’re unsure of who they used). If you are the executor, you would be entitled to obtain the will from whoever is storing it. The solicitor will ask for the death certificate and proof of your identification before giving you the Will.
Also, individuals are curious
The good news is that Florida courts do not make wills and other probate records available online. If someone wants to see a copy of your will, they will have to physically visit the courthouse to request the information.