Can't find a will

[jbird]

What is the procedure for trying to locate a will of a deceased person that we believe was written? It doesn't seem to be present in his possession. We have checked at his bank and found no lock box. What should we do next?

We appreciate any advice given. Thank you.

 

[ALawyer]

Go thru the checkbook and see if he wrote a check to an attorney, who may be holding it.

Contact his friends and other family members and ask if any recommended an attorney.

Go thru all the papers he has.

 

[advisor10]

01-03-2001

You left out a few crucial details. What is the main indication you have that you think a will has been written?

Is the person RECENTLY deceased within a few months of the past year or has he/she been dead for over a year? You should check with the county courthouse to see if perhaps the attorney or estate executor may have already filed it, but it just might be too soon to have it filed if the executor is still doing his duties before completing the estate.

You should consider placing a small ad in the classified newspaper asking about anyone who may know about the will, or look in the yellow pages to get addresses of all probate/estate attorneys in that city to send them a letter or call them to ask if the deceased was a client of theirs.

Don't forget to look in that person's Bible, and also contact the person's place of employment (if he was still working) to find out names of any insurance companies that may have held life insurance policies (where you might find out the names of beneficiaries who might also be able to tell you where the will could possibly be).

SINCERELY,

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