How to Find Out If Someone Left a Will
Key Takeaways
- A will search begins in the probate court of the deceased’s residence.
- Missouri law requires anyone holding a will to deliver it to the probate court.
- A will may be found in home records, safe deposit boxes, or digital files.
- Filed wills become public records accessible through the appropriate circuit court.
- If no will is found, intestate succession laws control estate distribution.
After losing someone close, families often find themselves facing practical questions they never expected to deal with right away. One of the most common involves whether the deceased left a will, and where to find it.
Understanding how to find out if someone left a will shapes every decision that follows, from who manages the estate to how assets get distributed among loved ones. At TdD Attorneys at Law LLC, we guide St. Louis families through this process every day, and we know how much clarity matters when time feels short.
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Where to Start When Searching for a Will in St. Louis, MO
The first step requires identifying the correct local court system responsible for the estate. In St. Louis, MO, searching for a will means searching the probate records in the specific jurisdiction where the deceased lived. St. Louis is divided between the City of St. Louis and St. Louis County, and each maintains a separate court system.
Many families lose time by contacting the wrong office, so confirming which side of that boundary the deceased called home should happen before anything else.
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Common Places a Will May Be Found
A thorough search of the deceased’s home and personal records often produces results before any court involvement becomes necessary. Per Missouri Revised Statutes Section 473.043 (RSMo 473.043), anyone holding a decedent’s will must deliver it to the probate division of the appropriate circuit court, making the document generally accessible. Common locations include:
- The home: Check filing cabinets, desk drawers, home safes, and personal document folders. Many people store their will alongside other important paperwork, such as deeds or insurance documents.
- A safe deposit box: According to RSMo 473.043, banks must deliver any will found in a safe deposit box to the court. They may keep a copy. To begin this transfer, provide the financial institution with a certified death certificate.
- Personal files and folders: Physical binders or accordion folders organized by topic frequently contain estate planning documents alongside tax returns, insurance policies, and property records.
- Digital records: Some people store scanned copies on a home computer, in cloud storage, or within email accounts, so checking with family members about device access may uncover additional files.
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How to Check If a Will Has Been Filed With the Court
Once a will goes through probate, the document becomes a public record, and anyone may request access to view or obtain a copy. In Missouri, these matters go through the circuit court of the county where the deceased resided. The Missouri Secretary of State’s office maintains a directory of county probate records to point you toward the right courthouse.
For St. Louis City residents, the 22nd Judicial Circuit handles these records. For those who live in St. Louis County, the St. Louis County Circuit Court manages the process. Bring the deceased’s full name and date of death when contacting either clerk’s office.
Who to Contact to Locate a Will
When a physical search and a court inquiry both come up empty, reaching out to the right people can break the deadlock. Three groups frequently hold useful information:
- Estate planning attorneys: The attorney who drafted the will often retains a copy or knows exactly where the original resides. Should that attorney have retired or closed their practice, the firm’s archived records may still be retrievable.
- Family members and close friends: A trusted relative or longtime friend may know about the existence of a will, the location of key documents, or the name of the attorney the deceased worked with.
- Financial institutions: Beyond safe deposit boxes, banks and credit unions may maintain records related to estate planning documents, account history, or financial advisors the deceased worked with.
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¨With a background in business and real estate, I have a strong passion for guiding others through these complex areas of law. I became an attorney to have a positive impact on others. I strive to do everything I can to help my clients find a solution for their unique legal challenges.¨
Ted Disabato
What Happens If No Will Is Found in St. Louis, MO
If no valid will is found, Missouri’s intestate succession statutes govern the estate’s distribution based on family priority, typically starting with a spouse and children. In these instances, the probate court appoints an administrator to manage the estate’s affairs instead of a designated executor.
When To Contact TDD Law About Probate Matters
TdD Attorneys at Law LLC helps St. Louis families work through probate matters with clear guidance and direct attorney involvement at every stage. Families who need help with how to find out if someone left a will do not have to navigate that process alone. Call us today at (314) 276-1318 to discuss your situation.
Ted Disabato
Ted D. Disabato is the Managing Member of TdD Attorneys at Law LLC, Broker/Realtor of TdD Premier Real Estate and The Realty Shop, and partner in VUE Title LLC and VUE Mortgage LLC – providing his clients cradle to grave service. If you’re looking for an experienced St. Louis estate planning lawyer, make sure to contact Ted Disabato today.