Conducting a Will Search demonstrates that reasonable steps have been taken to identify any later or missing Will and helps to ensure you can carry out the testator’s wishes correctly. Our search supports your due diligence processes, helps you to meet practice, and mitigates the risk of a later Will being discovered after distribution
Why you should search for a Will
Personal Representatives have a legal responsibility and duty to distribute the deceased’s estate correctly. You have a duty of care to ensure that the testator’s wishes are carried out and correctly distributed to the rightful beneficiaries. Our own research suggests that nearly 20% of people who have made a Will have updated it with a different provider, highlighting the importance of locating the most up-to-date version.
Our solution
Feedback from clients have previously highlighted the need for greater flexibility, more robust searching criteria, and cost efficiency. Our Will Search takes that view into account to provide you with an effective solution; supporting due diligence, meeting compliance obligations, and improving outcomes for your clients.
Our Will Search includes a full database search of local and national will holders including local solicitors. All potential Will Holders contacted are detailed in the report, giving you an audit trail to demonstrate due diligence.
For complete peace of mind, our report helps you to meet the recommendations made in 19.1 of the Probate Practitioners Handbook (Missing Wills) and 21.3.1 of the Law Society Wills and Inheritance Quality Scheme (WIQS).