When a loved one passes away, one of the first steps is locating their will—but what happens if it’s missing? A lost will can create delays, confusion, and even court battles among potential heirs.

Start by checking the deceased’s home, safe deposit boxes, or with their attorney. Many people store their estate planning documents in a home safe, file cabinet, or with a trusted advisor. If you can’t find the original, see if a copy exists. While copies are not always valid, a probate court may accept one under certain conditions.

If the will is never found, the estate may be treated as if no will existed at all—called intestate succession—meaning the court will distribute assets according to state law, not the decedent’s wishes.

Heirs who expected a direct inheritance under a will may now face uncertainty and long delays. If you’re in this position, Approved Inheritance Cash may be able to offer an advance on your expected share based on what the estate will likely include—even if legal battles are ahead.