How can I find out if there was a will?

You can find out if somebody has a will several ways. One, the principle way is to contact the probate court in the county were the decedent resided and ask if there's an open probate and if so, can you get a copy of the will. If a will has not been filed yet and you want to be kept alert to the possibility, you'd hire a lawyer and file a caveat so that subsequently filed wills you'd get a copy of. If there's no will filed at any time, then you need to ask a family member or a friend if there is a will. The problem is if you're not a named beneficiary or an heir at law, like a child or a spouse, you're probably not entitled to a copy so don't expect one.