Court of Protection
The National Will Register provides will search options to support deputies and attorneys in making informed decisions, including a Court of Protection Search.
Start searchWhat is a COP Will Search?
A Will Search COP searches for wills that have been registered on The National Will Register and for wills that have not been registered for someone who has lost testamentary capacity.
When is a COP Will Search used?
Knowledge of the contents and wishes outlined in the will(s) created by the person an attorney or deputy has a duty of care towards will help make better informed decisions on their behalf.
Why search for a will?
Demonstrate adequate measures have been taken to consider the wishes and intentions contained in any unknown wills written by the person. Useful when applying for a statutory will, or completing COP1a and COP1c forms.
What are the risks of not searching?
Not fully understanding the extent of the person’s assets and wishes in order to safeguard them. Potential to make uninformed decisions on the person’s behalf. Potential adverse outcomes as not aware of the contents of the will(s).
The COP Will Search Process
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COP Will Search Starts
Upon successful completion of the form online, the Court of Protection Will Search starts.
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Positive Match is Made
If there is a positive match as a result of a search of The National Will Register or REACH Search of unregistered wills in geographically targeted areas, the law firm or will writing organisation are notified.
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Provide Documentation to Custodian
The deputy or attorney searching for the will is to provide documentation such as proof of ID and either deputyship application or order, or LPA.
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Positive Match is Confirmed
If conditions are met to disclose the existence of the will, the custodian shall arrange for the will to be repatriated with the searcher.
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Will Search Report Issued
Upon conclusion, a will search report is issued with the outcome of your will search to demonstrate this step taken in the process.
COP Will Search
SEARCH OPTION
COP Will Search
A COP Will Search is the will search for someone who is still alive and has lost testamentary capacity, to support deputies and attorneys who are acting in their best interests.
Will Register Search – Checks to see if a will has been registered with The National Will Register, which currently sits at over 10.5 million records.
REACH Search – Performs a REACH Search which is a nationwide, geographically targeted search for wills that have not been registered amongst The National Will Register member and non-member law firms and will writers (members of will writing organisations IPW and SWW).
Missing Will Noticeboard – Places a notice on the Missing Will Notice Board that is issued to The National Will Register member solicitors.
£140.00
(Inc VAT)
How will searches help deputies and attorneys
To support applications
Ascertaining the existence of any will(s) prior to applying for a statutory will and completing Court of Protection forms COP1a and COP1c.
To understand P’s assets
Ascertaining the full extent of the assets of P’s assets identified in the will(s) in order to properly safeguard them and make better informed decisions on behalf of the individual.
To understand P’s personal relationships
Ascertaining the importance of P’s relationships with family and friends that could be outlined in the will(s).
Supportive Resources
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