Searching for a Will

When someone dies, it will be necessary to establish whether they had made a valid Will, before their estate can be distributed. A Will is a personal, confidential document that belongs to the person who made it (the testator), or to their estate if they are already deceased. It will only become a public document once the Grant of Probate is obtained. If you feel that you may have an interest in the estate of someone who is recently deceased, the first step is searching for a Will, ideally starting in their home if you are able to enter lawfully.

If this is not possible, or if you cannot find any evidence of a Will, you can search online for the records of anyone who died in or after 1857. If the deceased person made a Will that is being held by their solicitor, you may not be able to obtain a copy unless you are named as an executor. It is therefore important if you are searching for a Will to seek legal advice as soon as you can, and our team of Wills and Probate lawyers can support and guide you every step of the way. Please contact us for more information.