How do I know if my relative left a will? And how do I get a copy?

When a person dies their will can be one of the most important documents they leave behind. It will set out who they appoint as executor to carry out their wishes and how they want their assets to be distributed. It can also set out some additional directions such as wishes for funeral arrangements or guardianship of minor children. With such important directions given it is imperative that a person’s last will is located and suitable legal advice obtained in a timely manner.

So how can you find a deceased person’s last will? Usually a copy of a will would be kept with the person’s important papers and it is always good practise to inform the executors that they have been chosen and where they can get the will when the time comes. The original will is needed to apply for grants of probate and to give directions to some financial institutions.

If a copy of the will can be found it will usually have the details of the law firm or will drafters who prepared the document – these can be found on the cover...

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