How to find the lawyer that wrote a will
Locating the lawyer who drafted a will can be a crucial step in understanding or administering an estate. Often, this information is not immediately available, especially if the testator has passed away unexpectedly or family members were not involved in the estate planning process.
The attorney who prepared the will may possess important details about its creation, revisions, or intent behind specific provisions. While the document itself might include the lawyer’s name and contact information, this is not always the case. Identifying the correct legal professional requires methodical research, including reviewing personal records, contacting law firms, or reaching out to probate courts where the will may have been filed.
How to Find the Lawyer Who Wrote a Will
Locating the attorney who drafted a last will and testament can be a critical step in administering an estate or confirming the authenticity of a will. Often, testators (the individuals who created the will) chose a specific lawyer based on trust, familiarity, or specialization in estate planning.
If the will is already in your possession, the attorney’s name and contact information are frequently listed on the document itself, usually near the signature block or in the attestation clause. If the will is not available, family members, close friends, or financial advisors may recall who handled the estate planning.
In some cases, the deceased might have had other legal documents prepared by the same attorney, such as powers of attorney or living wills, which can serve as clues. If all else fails, contacting local bar associations, searching public records, or hiring a professional records search service can provide further assistance in identifying the responsible attorney.
Check the Will Document for Attorney Information
The most direct way to identify the lawyer who drafted a will is to carefully examine the document itself. Estate planning attorneys typically include their name, law firm, address, and contact information either at the beginning, end, or in the notary and witness sections of the will.
These details may appear in a header or footer or within the formal execution clause that confirms the document was properly signed and witnessed. Even if the will appears to be handwritten or informal, if it was professionally prepared, there's a high likelihood the attorney who supervised or prepared it is identified in the text.
If you are a named executor or legal heir, you have the right to request a copy of the will, which may be in the possession of a family member, stored in a safe deposit box, or filed with a probate court.
Contact the Executor or Family Members
In many cases, the executor named in the will is already aware of the attorney involved, especially if they were present during the will’s creation or have been managing post-death affairs. Conversations with close relatives, spouses, or trusted friends of the deceased can yield valuable information about which lawyer or law firm handled the estate planning.
People often consult the same attorney for multiple legal matters, so even if the will cannot be found, someone may remember related documents or retain copies of prior correspondence, such as engagement letters or billing statements. Additionally, if the deceased worked with a financial planner, accountant, or bank trust officer, these professionals may have referral records or know the name of the attorney.
Search Public Records and Contact the Probate Court
If the estate has entered the probate process, the will is likely on file with the local probate court in the county where the person lived at the time of death. Court records typically list the name of the attorney who filed the will or represented the executor.
You can visit the courthouse in person or check online court databases (if available) to access docket information or case filings related to the probate of the estate. In some jurisdictions, bar associations offer public lookup tools to verify if a deceased individual’s known attorney was licensed and in good standing. Moreover, certain states maintain centralized databases for wills or lawyer-client trust accounts, which can assist in locating the responsible legal professional.
| Method | Description | Where to Access |
|---|---|---|
| Review the Will | Look for the attorney's name, firm, and contact details typically located near the signature or execution clause. | Original or copy of the will document. |
| Ask Family or Executor | The executor or relatives may recall who prepared the will or have supporting documents. | Personal conversations or prior correspondence. |
| Probate Court Records | Court filings often list the attorney of record who submitted the will for probate. | Local probate court website or physical office. |
| State Bar Association | Verify if a suspected attorney was licensed and in good standing at the time the will was drafted. | Online bar association directory. |
| Professional Search Services | Specialized firms can locate archived legal records and identify estate planning attorneys. | Private records search companies. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find the lawyer who drafted a will?
To find the lawyer who wrote a will, start by checking the will itself—it usually includes the attorney’s name and contact information.
You can also contact the probate court in the county where the person lived, as they may have records of filed wills and associated attorneys. If the family or executor knows the law firm, that can help. Personal documents, address books, or financial records may also list the attorney.
What should I do if I can’t locate the lawyer who wrote the will?
If you can’t find the lawyer who wrote the will, check with the state bar association to verify the attorney’s license or get contact details.
Search the county probate court records, as the will may have been filed there. Review the deceased’s personal files, emails, or financial records. You may also consult another estate attorney who can help trace the original lawyer or review the document for validity and next steps.
Can a probate court help me identify the lawyer who prepared a will?
Yes, a probate court can help identify the lawyer who prepared a will. When a will is filed for probate, the court keeps a copy and often lists the drafting attorney’s name.
You can request access to these records by visiting or contacting the court clerk in the county where the person resided. Some courts offer online access to case details, which may include attorney information linked to the estate.
Is the lawyer who wrote a will responsible for keeping a copy?
Yes, most estate lawyers keep a copy of the wills they draft as part of their professional records. Ethical guidelines often require attorneys to retain client documents for several years.
You or the executor can contact the law office directly to request a copy. If the attorney has retired or passed away, records may have been transferred to another firm or a storage service designated for legal archives.
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