Will search
Will search is an important step after a death. It makes it possible to verify whether the deceased person left a registered will and to obtain the certificates required to proceed with certain estate settlement steps.
What DOCUGO does for you
DOCUGO supports you with preparing the application, validating the information, submitting the required documents, administrative follow-up, and delivering the available results. You can also review all the detailed steps of our process.
What is the purpose of a will search?
A will search is used to confirm whether a will exists or does not exist in the official registers. This step helps avoid settling an estate without having verified whether a more recent will exists.
Is it mandatory?
Yes. After a death, a will search must be carried out to verify whether a will exists and to confirm that the estate settlement steps are based on the most recent known will.
What does the will search certificate contain?
The will search certificate confirms the result of the search. It may indicate whether a will is registered and, if so, with which professional or registry it is kept.
Does the certificate contain the will?
No. The certificate does not contain the will. It confirms the result of the search. If a will is found, a copy will need to be requested from the location indicated on the certificate or in accordance with the applicable procedures.
Which documents are required?
To submit an application, you generally need to provide information about the deceased person, the applicant’s contact details, and official proof of death, such as a death certificate or a copy of a death record.
Who can make the request?
The application may be submitted by an authorized person, such as a family member, a liquidator, or an authorized representative. DOCUGO supports these individuals with preparing, submitting, and following up on the application administratively.
Regular or expedited service
DOCUGO offers a regular service and an expedited service. The expedited service may be useful when a bank, a professional, or an estate settlement step requires the search certificates quickly. See our fee schedule to learn about the applicable fees based on the selected timeframe.
Start a will search
You can start your request online. The secure form allows you to submit the required information and, if available, your death certificate or copy of an act of death.
DOCUGO provides administrative support. For any legal questions, please consult a notary or a lawyer. See our frequently asked questions or contact our team if you need help completing your process.