How to Locate a Will and Trust

Losing someone you love and care about due to death is a natural part of life that no one is every ready for especially if the death of unexpected. One of the most important things that should be determined is if the deceased left a will and trust. There are several things you can do to determine this.

• Speak to the person's physician because many patients will often discuss with their doctor whether they are planning on leaving a will and trust. It is not uncommon for a patient to discuss their last wishes with their doctor. 


• Make an appointment to speak to the person's attorney. This would be the perfect place to start because most people will have the paperwork drawn up by an attorney to make sure it is legal and binding. They will also make sure the will and trust is properly filed and notarized.


• Go to the public records office in the city where the person lived. This is normally located in the courthouse. Since it is a public document you can go there and request to view the document. In order for it to be on public record the document should have been notarized, which will make it legally binding.


• Determine where the deceased person kept all of their important documents. Look through the documents to see if you can find a will and trust. Some people keep their important papers in a file cabinet or a lock box.


• Speak with other family members or close friends to determine if the deceased have discussed a will and trust with them. Some people will discuss the matter with close friends instead of family members because they feel less pressured.