How To Find A Will In Public Records For Free
Wills are public records, so it’s possible to find them for free when you know where to look. Fortunately, it’s never been easier to find a will. There are plenty of methods that will help you find one, but the best option is typically a public records search tool.
Public records search tools allow you to find someone’s will using their name, date of birth, and other additional information you have about them. Furthermore, public records search tools are free and safe to use. You don’t have to worry about wasting your time with lengthy Google searches.
That said, you need to use the right public records search tool to find someone’s will for free. Otherwise, you’ll end up with inaccuracies or no results. Read on to learn more below.
What Is a Will?
A will, also known as a will and testament, is a legal document that helps someone who died distribute their assets. Will and testaments also allow people to appoint guardians for children under the age of 18. A will is often hard to dispute if it was written and signed properly.
Before anyone passes away, it’s best to have the will written to avoid problems within families. Plus, will make it easier to distribute money, homes, and other assets.
Are Wills Public Record?
Yes, wills are public records. While wills are public records, they only become public records once the person who wrote them dies. Until that point, wills are confidential documents that remain unattainable.
That said, once someone passes away you can use a public records search tool to find someone’s will online or even in person.
What If Someone Dies Without a Will?
When someone dies without a will, there are still death records. Like the will, these death records are also public records. Death records for people who don’t have will include letters of administration.
Letters of administration are similar to a will and are used to distribute assets to heirs. Letters of administration can be viewed and found in the same way as a will and testament.
Can You Get a Will In the Probate?
Before will become public records, they enter a probate period. Probate periods have the will seal and only designated family members can view the will. With probate wills, the only way to get a copy is to be one of the people designated to view the document. Otherwise, you’ll have to wait until the end of the process.
To get a copy of the will, you have to ask the individual’s lawyer, or you can ask them personally.
How to Find Someone’s Will
It’s not hard to find someone’s will when you have the right tools. Finding someone’s will can be done by visiting the county clerk’s office or by searching online with public records search tools.
Depending on your resources and when you need to access a will, it’s best to use a public records search tool like Information.com. We’ll also cover some other methods below.
1). Information.com
Information.com is always the best method to find someone’s will online. Finding someone’s will is easy when you use Information.com’s public records search. The public records search tool only requires you to have someone’s full name, but having additional information also helps. Examples of additional information that will help include someone’s address, phone number, or other family members.
To use Information.com’s public records search tool, all you have to do is enter this information into the search bar. From there, choose the result that matches your needs and open the full report. Within the full report, you’ll find the will and some other valuable information.
Some additional things you’ll find with an Information.com public records search tool include:
- Birth records
- Date of birth
- Divorce records
- Marriage Records
- Social media profiles
- Court records
- Criminal records
- Email addresses
- Phone numbers
- Addresses
- Family members
- Credit history
Ultimately, Information.com provides you with more than someone’s will. You’ll be able to find just about anything you need about someone with only their full name.
2. County Clerk’s Office
The county clerk is also responsible for managing death records. In fact, when a will is filed, it arrives at the county clerk’s office. County clerk’s offices have information about most people as it’s the go-to destination for public records.
At the county clerk’s office, you can visit the location the will was filed in person. From there, you can speak with an official and they’ll help you find the records you’re looking for.
Some states also have online programs for this type of public records search. These are typically free tools you can use to find someone’s will. It’s also possible to call the county clerk’s office over the phone.
3. Search with Google
As the world’s largest and most in-depth search engine, Google is a great place to find someone’s will. Anyone who has died after 1936 and has a social security number will have a will or letter of administration. For famous individuals, these wills are easy to find with a Google search.
Unfortunately, wills aren’t always easy to find when someone isn’t famous, especially if they don’t have a will. In these cases, we recommend using an alternative like Information.com instead.
Final Words
When it comes to finding someone’s will, it’s easier than many people think. Knowing someone’s first and last name will carry you most of the way but having additional information always helps. While it’s possible to ask around for a copy or to search through death records for each county, these are not the fastest ways.
Ultimately, Information.com is the best way to find someone’s will quickly. All you need is their first and last name to get started. Still, it helps to have their address and some additional family information. What makes Information.com even more impressive is that you’ll have your results within minutes.
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