Finding the Will
Finding the will is one of the first and most important tasks after someone dies. The will determines how the estate should be distributed and who should handle the administration. This guide shows you where to look and what to do if you can't find one.
- Check the deceased's home thoroughly - including safes and filing systems
- Contact their solicitor, bank, or financial advisor
- Search the Probate Registry for previous wills
- Check with will storage companies and online will services
- Look for clues in correspondence and documents
- If no will is found, the estate will be handled under intestacy rules
Most common places to find wills
At the deceased's home
- Filing cabinet or desk drawers
- Safe or lockbox
- With other important documents
- In a folder marked 'Will' or 'Important Documents'
- Sometimes in unexpected places like books or boxes
With professional advisors
- Solicitor's office
- Bank (some banks store wills)
- Financial advisor or accountant
- Will writing service
- Insurance company
Professional storage services
- Principal Probate Registry
- Will storage companies (e.g., YourWill.co.uk)
- Online will services
- Document storage facilities
Will Search Checklist
Search Locations
- Thoroughly search the deceased's home (all rooms, safes, filing systems)
- Contact any known solicitors or legal advisors
- Check with banks and financial institutions
- Search the Probate Registry for previous wills or grants
- Review recent correspondence for clues about will location
What if no will is found?
If you can't find a will after a thorough search, the person is considered to have died 'intestate'. The estate will be distributed according to intestacy rules, and you'll need to apply for Letters of Administration instead of probate.
Don't give up the search too quickly - wills can be stored in unexpected places, and finding one can make a significant difference to how the estate is handled.
Related Guides
You might also find these guides helpful
What Documents Do I Need for Probate? Complete UK Checklist
Complete checklist of documents needed for probate in the UK. From death certificates to asset valuations - everything executors need to gather for probate applications.
Probate Checklist
Not sure if you need probate? Use this guide to understand the process and gather everything you'll need.
Do I Need Probate? UK Thresholds £5K-£50K (Free Checker 2025)
Probate needed if estate has property or over £50K. Joint accounts exempt. Check bank thresholds: HSBC £50K, smaller banks £15K.