What To Do If You Cannot Find The Will
It is a sad fact that residents in Daytona Beach often have to go through the process of losing a loved one, whether it is a parent, grandparent, or even sibling. For most people, this process is extremely difficult and it is a very emotional and stressful time. One of the most important steps during this time is to find the will a person left behind. Perhaps your loved one discussed their estate plan with you, and you know there is a will, but not where it is located. Or, maybe you are unsure of whether your loved one ever created a will.
This can put you in a very difficult position. During the grieving process, you may not know where to even begin looking for a will. Below, our Daytona Beach wills and trusts lawyer explains how to find the missing document.
Check Common Storage Areas
There are many common places where people store important documents such as their will. These include in your loved one’s desk, cabinets, safe, closets, glove compartments, garages, and even under their mattress. If you know any other places your loved one stored important documents, look there, as well.
Check with Your Loved One’s Bank
If you have checked the most obvious places and still have not found the will, try contacting your loved one’s bank. They may have had a safety deposit box, into which they placed their will. You can also search for a safety deposit box key, which will be a larger key that cannot be duplicated.
Ask Your Loved One’s Financial Advisor or Attorney
While searching in the common places a will might be stored, also look for letterhead or business cards from any financial advisor or attorney. Your loved one’s checkbook and other bank records may also show an attorney’s or financial advisor’s name. These professionals may have a copy of the will, or know where your loved one kept it.
Ask Your Loved One’s Friends
It is also a good option to check with your loved one’s friends. They may have been a witness to the signing of the will, or they may know the attorney the deceased used who can point you in the direction of the will.
Check with the Probate Court
If you still have not found a copy of your loved one’s will, you can check with the probate court. In Florida, wills must be submitted to the probate court within ten days of the person’s death. The will must be submitted at the court in which your loved one lived.
Our Wills and Trusts Lawyer in Daytona Beach Can Help Your Family
If you have not been able to locate your loved one’s will or need help going through the probate process, it is important to have legal representation. At Bundza & Rodriguez, our Daytona Beach wills and trusts lawyer can provide it, answer your questions, and make things as easy as possible for you and your family. Call us today at 386-252-5170 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and to learn more.
Source:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0732/0732.html
