How can i find out which solicitor holds a will?

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:

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

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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:

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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
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

How do I get a copy of a will in Florida?
Information That Can Be Accessed by the Public After Probate
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.
How do I get a copy of a will in California?
If you wish to view or obtain a copy of any Will, you must provide the Court with a certified copy of the decedent’s death certificate or an informational copy issued by the Office of Vital Records or the County Recorder’s Office.
How do I get a copy of a will in Illinois?
You may be able to make yourself a copy directly at the courthouse or request that a copy be mailed to you. Contact the appropriate courthouse for instructions.
How do I get a copy of a will in Ohio?
Response to this: The most direct option would be going to the probate court in person and asking for help finding the documents you need.
How do I find out if my will is a will?
Answer will be: The best way to view the will is to get the probate court file number. The executor can give you this information. You may also be able to access the file number by phone, online, or in person at the courthouse by providing the deceased’s name and date of death.
How do I get a will from a solicitor?
As a response to this: 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
How do I search for a soldier's will?
Response will be: You can search for a soldier’s will with just the full name of the soldier and the year they died. If you have more information, for example, the soldier’s first name, service number, and the exact date of their death, then you can use this to narrow your search. Use the ‘advanced search’ option to enter these details.
How do I find the Attorney of record for a deceased person?
Once you have the file, search it for the name of any lawyer or law firm that is listed as attorney of record for the deceased. Copy this information. Repeat the same process you used to search county courthouse records at the federal district courthouse in the federal district where the deceased person lived.
How do I find out if a lawyer drafted a will?
Response will be: If you know the lawyer’s name but don’t have contact information, you can probably find it online or get it from the state bar association. If you think a lawyer drafted the will but you’re not sure, go through the deceased person’s checkbook and look for payments to a lawyer or law firm. The local probate court.
How do I get a will from a solicitor?
Response to this: 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
How do I search for a will after a death?
Answer will be: If you are aware of a safe in the deceased’s home or locked drawers where they keep paperwork, then it would be a logical place to start the search. Although an Executor must locate the Will, it is strongly recommended that you seek agreement from the deceased family before searching the house, to avoid any allegations of trespass. 2.
How do I find a deceased person's lawyer?
Response will be: The deceased’s property should be distributed according to her wishes, and the best way to determine those wishes is through her will. Locating a deceased person’s lawyer may also lead to the discovery of family members or assets. Finding the lawyer requires research and detective work, but public records often aid the search.

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Advocacy and jurisprudence