For many families, the passing of a loved one is a deeply emotional time. Amid the grief, there are practical matters that must be addressed, including the administration of the deceased’s estate. One of the first steps is locating their will. However, finding a will is not always straightforward, and when no will is found, the consequences can be complex and challenging.
Common Places Wills Are Stored
- At Home: Many people keep their will in a safe place at home, such as a locked drawer, a filing cabinet, a safe or even under the mattress! It’s worth searching in locations where other important documents are stored, such as deeds or insurance policies.
- With a Solicitor: Some people will lodge their will with the solicitor who drafted it. If you know the deceased’s solicitor, contacting them can be a good starting point.
- With a Bank: Although not as popular, many people choose to place their will in a safety deposit box at their bank. However, accessing these boxes can sometimes require a court order, especially if the deceased is the sole account holder.
- With Executors or Trustees: Occasionally, individuals will entrust their will to the person they’ve named as their executor or to a close friend or family member.
- However, if a will cannot be found, professional research companies such as Finders International can assist in conducting a more exhaustive search, including tracing wills through solicitors or legal registries.
If you are dealing with an intestacy but need to check for a Will, or you hold a Will and are unsure if a more recent Will was made, our Missing Will Service can help.
What happens when someone dies intestate (without a will) in the UK?
When someone dies intestate (without a valid will), their estate is distributed according to the Rules of Intestacy, which may not align with the deceased’s wishes. In the UK, these rules dictate a strict hierarchy of inheritance based on familial relationships.
The first consideration is whether the deceased left a surviving spouse or civil partner. If there is a surviving spouse or civil partner but no issue, the entire estate will usually pass to them. However, if there are children, the surviving spouse or civil partner will receive a statutory legacy (a fixed sum) and personal chattels, with the remaining estate divided equally between the spouse or civil partner and the children.
You can read more on Intestacy Rules in England, Wales & Scotland, here.
At Finders International, we specialise in tracing missing wills and locating heirs. Our expert team is adept at navigating the complexities of intestate estates, ensuring that legal processes are followed and that rightful beneficiaries are identified.
Whether you need to search for a missing will, trace unknown relatives, or require probate assistance, we are here to help!