The UK's first online Wills registry has been launched in the North West, with Rowlands playing a leading role as a founder member of the new service.

The register – certainty.co.uk – means Wills can be registered quickly and easily, as well as providing a powerful online search tool for missing Wills.

The launch follows a recent survey in which almost seven out of ten people said they did not know where to find their own or their parents' Wills. 

"The arrival of certainty.co.uk comes after almost 20 years' lobbying by Wills and Probate professionals who have been concerned about the difficulties in registering Wills and the anxiety caused to bereaved families by missing Wills," says Simon Hughes, Head of Private Client services at Rowlands.

The online service has been launched with a unique offer of 12.8 million Will registrations available free of charge. As part of the launch Rowlands is offering free registration to clients who are already storing their Wills with Rowlands.

"If you're one of the 67% of people who don't know where your own or your parents' Will is, you may one day be glad of this Will register as it can easily locate a Will when needed," commented Simon.

"Over time circumstances change: people move house or enter new relationships and keeping your Will safe may be the last thing on your mind. Now your solicitor can register your Will with certainty.co.uk and this will allow your family to locate your Will when you pass on and ensure that your wishes are respected."

Simon added: "Everyone who cares what happens to their assets after they die should make a Will and review it regularly especially when they experience a major life change such as marriage, having children or moving house.

"Having your Will registered is one of the most important things you can do for your family – our clients will now have peace of mind that their loved ones can easily locate their Wills."