Even though a staggering number of Americans (20%E2%80%94%20a%20staggering%2067%%2020%E2%80%94%20die%20without%20an%20estate%20plan) take the time to create one, 3333 % of them take the time to create one, meaning that when they pass away, it is crucial for their loved ones and the executor of their estate (if they named someone through their will) to find their will as soon as possible, meaning that their efforts to create a will don’t go in vain.
What if you know that the deceased executed a will but you can’t find it? What if the decedent didn’t tell anyone where their will was kept safe? What if the estate planning attorney who was keeping a copy of the decedent’s will passed away as well?
It can be quite the task to find a deceased person’s will under certain difficult circumstances. Fortunately, as a seasoned probate company, we possess the abilities and know-how to assist you in overcoming any challenges you face in your search for the will. Not only that, but regardless of your relationship to the estate, we can be a tremendous help during the probate process (i e. , executor, beneficiary, heir, surviving spouse, etc. ).
Losing a loved one is a difficult experience, and amidst the grief, you may find yourself needing to locate their will. While this document can be crucial for understanding their final wishes and settling their estate, finding it can seem like a daunting task. Fortunately, in many cases, you can look up someone’s will online, making the process more accessible and efficient.
This guide will delve into the world of wills and probate records, providing you with the knowledge and steps necessary to locate a will online. We’ll cover the following:
- Understanding Wills and Probate: We’ll shed light on what a will is, its purpose, and the role of probate in the process of settling an estate.
- Public vs. Private Wills: We’ll explore the concept of public and private wills, explaining the circumstances under which a will becomes accessible to the public.
- Accessing Probate Records Online: We’ll guide you through the process of finding probate records online, including identifying the relevant court and utilizing online search tools.
- Alternative Methods for Locating a Will: We’ll discuss other avenues for finding a will, such as contacting the executor or searching through personal belongings.
- Frequently Asked Questions: We’ll address common questions related to wills and probate, providing you with additional clarity and understanding.
By the end of this guide, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and tools to confidently navigate the process of finding someone’s will online, ensuring a smoother and less stressful experience during a difficult time.
Understanding Wills and Probate
What is a Will?
A will is a legal document that outlines an individual’s wishes regarding the distribution of their assets and property after their death. It allows the individual to designate beneficiaries, who will receive specific assets or portions of their estate. Additionally, a will can appoint an executor, who is responsible for carrying out the instructions outlined in the document and managing the estate settlement process.
What is Probate?
Probate is the legal process of administering an estate after someone’s death. During probate, the court verifies the validity of the will, identifies and values the assets of the estate, pays off any debts and taxes, and distributes the remaining assets to the beneficiaries as specified in the will. The probate process can vary in length and complexity depending on the size and nature of the estate.
Public vs. Private Wills
Public Wills
In most cases, wills become public records after the individual’s death and the completion of the probate process. This means that anyone can access the will, typically by visiting the probate court where it was filed or searching online databases. Public access to wills ensures transparency and accountability in the estate settlement process.
Private Wills
In rare instances, a judge may seal a will, making it inaccessible to the public. This usually occurs when there are sensitive or confidential matters within the will that warrant privacy protection. However, even sealed wills may become accessible under certain circumstances, such as a court order or a request from a beneficiary.
Accessing Probate Records Online
Identifying the Relevant Court
The first step in finding a will online is identifying the court where the probate case was filed. This is usually the probate court in the county where the deceased individual resided at the time of their death. You can find the relevant court information by searching online or contacting the local court clerk’s office.
Utilizing Online Search Tools
Once you’ve identified the relevant court, you can search its online database for probate records. Many courts offer online search tools that allow you to search by the deceased individual’s name, date of death, or case number. These tools typically provide access to basic probate information, including the names of the executor and beneficiaries, as well as the date the will was filed.
Obtaining the Will
If you find the relevant probate record online, you may be able to view or download a copy of the will directly from the court’s website. However, some courts may require you to visit the courthouse in person or submit a request to obtain a copy of the will. Be prepared to pay a fee for obtaining the document.
Alternative Methods for Locating a Will
Contacting the Executor
If you’re unable to find the will online, you can try contacting the executor of the estate. The executor is the individual responsible for managing the estate and carrying out the instructions outlined in the will. They may have a copy of the will or be able to provide you with information on how to obtain it.
Searching Personal Belongings
In some cases, the will may be found among the deceased individual’s personal belongings. Look for the will in places where they kept important documents, such as a safe deposit box, filing cabinet, or desk drawer. If you find the will, make sure to keep it in a safe place until it can be delivered to the executor or probate court.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can access a will during probate?
During the probate process, the will is typically only accessible to the executor and beneficiaries. However, once probate is complete and the will becomes a public record, anyone can access it.
How long does it take to find a will?
The time it takes to find a will can vary depending on the method used and the complexity of the estate. Searching online databases is usually the quickest method, but it may take longer if the will is not yet public or if the relevant court’s online search tools are limited.
What if I can’t find the will?
If you’re unable to find the will, you should contact an attorney specializing in probate law. They can help you determine the next steps and assist you in navigating the estate settlement process without a will.
What happens if there is no will?
If an individual dies without a will, they are considered to have died intestate. In this case, the state’s intestacy laws will determine how the estate is distributed. These laws typically dictate that the assets are divided among the deceased’s closest relatives, such as their spouse, children, or parents.
Finding someone’s will online can be a relatively straightforward process, especially with the availability of online probate records and search tools. By understanding the concepts of wills and probate, identifying the relevant court, and utilizing online resources, you can efficiently locate the will and gain valuable insights into the deceased individual’s final wishes. Remember that if you encounter any difficulties or have questions, seeking guidance from an attorney specializing in probate law can provide you with the necessary support and expertise.
Do Most People Have a Will?
What is referred to as a decedent’s estate consists of the possessions they have after passing away. If a will had been made, its role would have been to manage the estate and specify who would inherit what.
No one is legally required to create a will, which means that if someone dies without having other estate planning documents in place, their assets ultimately will go to their closest living heirs in accordance with California intestate succession laws.
No one is legally required to designate their will as their primary estate planning document, either. In fact, a trend in the world of estate planning over the last 50 years has been the rise of non-probate asset transfers. Probate refers to the process a will must pass through in order to be authenticated by the court. People seek to avoid it through non-probate asset transfers since these can save time, money, and even headaches.
Examples of non-probate asset transfers include:
- Trust distributions
- Property held in joint tenancy (the surviving joint tenant(s) inherits the deceased tenant’s portion of the property)
- Assets owned as community property with rights of survivorship
- Life insurance policies
While many people would prefer to avoid probate, there are some circumstances in which it is unavoidable. For instance, if the decedent did not execute estate planning documents prior to their death, their estate will have to go through probate, just like it would have if there had been a will in place, even if their estate contains significant assets whose cumulative value exceeds the small estate exemption ($188,500 for decedents who pass away after April 1, 2022). Whether or not probate can be avoided ultimately depends on how property titles are held.
Do you have advice on how to find out if you’re in a will?
It’s quite simple, actually. If you are a beneficiary of the estate, you ought to have received a letter from the executor informing you that probate has begun. The court will not allow a petition for probate to be granted until you are notified if you are named as a beneficiary in the will.