Will Search companies

[Deleted User]

Hi there, a friend passed away recently and his family can not find a will, although they are certain he had one. They have contacted known solicitors and have searched the house but to no avail. I have just googled "searching for missing will" and companies like Certainty have come up, but has anyone used these will search companies, are they worth the fee, do solicitors actually look at these kind of websites? Any other suggestions? His estate will be very complicated without a will so it would be one less thing for the family to worry about if they can locate it.
thanks

Keep_pedalling

Never had the need to use one but if the fees are minor in relation to the size of the estate then it may be worth trying.

The laws of intestacy are straight forward so should not complicate the estate, although might upset some potential beneficiaries.

Browntoa

If he has purchased or sold any property might be worth getting a copy of the forms from the land registry to see who the conveyance solicitor was .

May be the same solicitor.

If he used a will writing company many of them have closed over the years or phoenix into another name. Virtually impossible to locate a Will

Dox

Why are they so sure he had one?

[Deleted User]

Dox wrote: »

Why are they so sure he had one?

Because he had discussed having a will with a number of people over the years.

[Deleted User]

Browntoa wrote: »

If he has purchased or sold any property might be worth getting a copy of the forms from the land registry to see who the conveyance solicitor was .

May be the same solicitor.

If he used a will writing company many of them have closed over the years or phoenix into another name. Virtually impossible to locate a Will

Thank you, good call! I highly doubt he would have used anyone other than a qualified solicitor.

[Deleted User]

Keep_pedalling wrote: »

Never had the need to use one but if the fees are minor in relation to the size of the estate then it may be worth trying.

The laws of intestacy are straight forward so should not complicate the estate, although might upset some potential beneficiaries.

Agree, re cost, but would rather not go on more of a wild goose chase. And yes, your final sentence could well be the outcome if they don't find it!

Having looked a at the Law Society website they endorse this company so may be worth a shot! Thanks all