When someone dies without a will, the state determines who will receive the remaining assets. Unfortunately, the state’s decisions may not reflect the person’s wishes. Before you assume a deceased family member did not have a will, be absolutely sure.

STEPS TO TAKE:

VISIT
the county’s Probate Court to see if a will was ever filed.

LOOK
for a copy of the will in the deceased person’s home, especially in fireproof boxes and file cabinets.

SCAN
checkbook registers and bank account statements for payments made to attorneys. A will may have been filed with the deceased person’s lawyer.

FILE
a petition with the Probate Court seeking permission to access the person’s safe-deposit box to look for a will, if there is no living co-owner of the box.