Check the person’s home for a will, codicil, or estate planning folder
Look in a safe, locked drawer, filing cabinet, or home safe
Ask the person’s attorney, if known
Contact the person’s bank or safe deposit box holder
Ask close family members or the named executor
Search the person’s email and digital files for estate planning documents
Check with the local probate court or surrogate court
Search the state’s will registry, if your state has one
Contact local law firms that handled the person’s legal affairs
Review any records from financial advisors or accountants
Check with the person’s employer for any benefits or records of estate documents
Look for a copy of the will among important papers after death
Determine whether the will was filed with the court after death
Ask the probate court whether a will has been submitted
Search public probate records online if available
Hire a probate attorney or estate investigator if needed