| The death of a relative is a very difficult time for all | | | | Often the problem with a lost Will is that the relatives |
| concerned. If the person who dies is the breadwinner | | | | of the deceased person may know that a Will was |
| and the one the family depended on, then it is very | | | | made, but they don't know which solicitor holds it, or |
| important that they have speedy access to the assets | | | | how to go about finding out, its often presumed that if |
| of the deceased person. If that is not possible because | | | | a Will can't be found one wasn't made. And of course, |
| a Will cannot be found, then there can be all kinds of | | | | if a Will cannot be found, it cannot be administered. |
| distressing delays, which can even lead to financial | | | | Luckily, it's easy to find a lost Will if it has been properly |
| difficulties in many cases. | | | | registered. |
| It's vitally important that you make a Will. Only around | | | | You need to bear in mind that the details of Wills are |
| 33% of the people who die in the UK have a Will. The | | | | protected by law. A Will register conducts the search |
| other two thirds do not have a Will, and as they die | | | | on your behalf, but it will be the solicitor holding the Will |
| intestate, the state has to step in and investigate their | | | | who will actually contact you, and only if you are the |
| position to see what assets they have left. This can | | | | next if kin, the executor or a beneficiary of the Will and |
| be very time consuming and stressful to those left | | | | you can validate your identity and provide a death |
| behind. | | | | certificate or copy of it. |
| However, making your Will is only the first step. You | | | | Finding a lost will can be difficult almost impossible in |
| then need to take steps to ensure that it does not | | | | some cases. It is essential to be methodical in your |
| become lost. A lost Will can be every bit as stressful | | | | search. Check all the local banks for safe deposit |
| and time consuming to put right as one that doesn't | | | | boxes where a Will may be stored, and while it may |
| exist in the first place. One important step you must do | | | | be a cliché, don't overlook the possibility that it |
| is register your Will, when you pass on and your Will is | | | | has been put under the mattress! |
| needed it can be found. | | | | |