Registry of Wills?

oldtractor

not sure where to post this hope here is ok. Recently a friend died, he was an elderly gentleman who was very meticulas in this life. he was a man of substance. he had no relatives. He doesnt appear to have left a will. Myself and others are suprised at this as he was very careful and thoughtful and supported charities and we all feel he would have left his estate to his favorite charity .
Is there anyway we can find out if he made a will? seems a shame for the gov to get his estate.

SmlSave

You can write to local solicitors/will writers to see if they have any record.

RAS

Assuming he dies inEngland or Wales

Check http://www.justice.gov.uk/courts/probate/depositing-documents-for-safe-keeping

Speak to a the Law Society in his area; they routinely circulate please for stored wills round the county.

If push comes to shove it will be inherited as per the intestacy rules

Oakie

If there is no will or any relatives, then I believe his name goes on the Bona Vacantia list. Then a probate research company will search out any long lost relations in return for a %. If there aren't any relations the money goes to the treasury.

Errata

Who arranged and paid for his funeral? They may know more about the gentleman's private business affairs than you do.