Good will hunting

Probate: Birmingham solicitors launch national registry

Three Birmingham-based solicitors have established what they say is the first national on-line database for wills and 'living wills'.The database was launched last month and allows solicitors' firms to register wills for a fee of 10 (plus VAT).

To search the database, which the group hopes will become definitive, will cost 5.For 17, a will can be registered and also scanned, so authorised copies can be made at a later date if the original has been lost.The service has been set up by Robert Bradshaw, Sharon Beswick and Philip Griffiths, all of whom are partners in Bradshaws.

Mr Bradshaw, director of the registry, said: 'At the moment, when a solicitor or a relative is trying to locate a deceased's will, they have to employ a probate researcher to send out letters or place advertisements in what is an expensive and lengthy process.' There are a number of smaller and regional will registries, but as yet no national bodies, he said.Mr Bradshaw said he hopes the registry will become the equivalent of the Land Registry and the Register of Companies.www.nationalwillsregistry.co.ukVictoria MacCallum