Finding the Will
How do I find a will after someone dies?
Search deceased's home thoroughly—filing cabinets, safes, desk drawers, document folders. Contact solicitor (most common), bank will storage, accountant, financial advisor. Search Probate Registry for previous wills. Check will storage companies like Principal Probate Registry. If no will found, person died 'intestate'—need Letters of Administration, estate follows intestacy rules.
- At home: Filing cabinets, safes, desk drawers, document folders, unexpected places
- Professionals: Solicitor (most common), bank, financial advisor, will writing service
- Storage services: Principal Probate Registry, will storage companies, online services
- Search clues: Recent correspondence, paperwork, solicitor letters
- No will found: Intestacy rules apply, need Letters of Administration
- Multiple wills: Only latest valid will counts—check dates
Have more questions on UK death administration? Let Farra help.
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.
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.
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