There is no comprehensive and independent facility to register the existence and location of any personnel documents. Such information was usually held by an individual, legal professional, a family member or friend.
All legal professionals who deal with Wills know that failure to locate a Will can lead to a costly and time consuming search. The whole process can be frustratingly hit and miss. Even if a Will is located there is no guarantee that it is the most up-to-date version. There is also the real possibility of a Will being deliberately 'lost' or destroyed by an aggrieved family member or friend, research shows that this happens more often than might be thought.
Most people think their Will could never be lost because they have chosen a 'safe' place to store it. But the simple fact is that, when their Will is needed it is simply not there. Neither is there any guarantee that those they are trusting to handle their estate will be there either. Even leaving a copy with a legal professional is of no help if no one remembers who they are. Peoples' circumstances change all the time, which can affect not only the content of the Will but also who has the knowledge of the whereabouts of the Will.
What is Wills Database’s solution?
For a once-off fee of R99 for life, place the information on an international registry that will allow family or friends at the time of your death to notify your executor and find the location of your will via our online search facility. If you do not have a valid or up to date Last Will and Testament Wills Database will gladly assist all new registrations free of charge (South Africa Only) R85 per person for any amendment to existing Wills. (South Africa Only)
Benefits from Wills Database
Curtail fraud in the Will industry. Your Last Will and Testament will be read at time of death. Locate your latest Will quickly, if information is kept up to date. Eliminate lost Wills and assist in the prevention of people destroying your Last Will and Testament.
