Description
Will Search
We can search for a Will granted in Puerto Rico, if you are an heir or beneficiary. A person becomes an heir or beneficiary as soon as the testator dies. In other words, we cannot obtain a copy of a Will if the testator is still alive, unless the testator authorizes it in writing.
If the testator is deceased and the Will has already been filed with the Land Registry, then it is also possible to obtain a copy. However, in this case, the copy we would obtain would be a "simple copy", not a "certified copy", unless you are an heir or beneficiary and request it.
If you have a copy of the Will or have the data of the Will (# of deed, date and name of the lawyer), then through this search we will be able to certify if it was the last one granted. However, for this other procedure, you will need to attach the Death Certificate of the testator.
Who are heirs and what are the requirements?
If you are an heir or beneficiary, it is necessary that when you place your order here you also send us a copy of the Death Certificate. If you do not have it, we can get it as long as the person died in Puerto Rico.
In addition, if you are a beneficiary or child of the deceased, we will need a copy of your Birth Certificate. If the deceased person was your spouse, then we will need the Marriage Certificate. In case the deceased had no children, then the heirs would be the parents, or, in the absence of parents, the siblings.
What does the Will search include?
In general, if you are an heir or beneficiary, the search for a Will consists of 2 steps:
1. First we must certify whether the deceased person prepared a Will. This procedure is done through a search in the Register of Wills and in the General Register of Notarial Competences. It is mandatory to attach a copy of the Death Certificate, so if you do not have it, you must add it to your order. If the deceased person did not grant a Will in Puerto Rico, then each of said Registries issues a Negative Certification of Will.
2. If there is a Will, then we proceed to request a certified copy. This procedure is done directly with the lawyer who authorized the Will. However, if the lawyer is deceased or no longer practicing law, we will look for the document in the corresponding Notarial Archive.
How long does it take?
This procedure can take 60 to 90 days.
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