How can I find the contents of a persons will? Not from ancient history, but a recent local one? any ideas?

Answer 1

That is a private document and you should not try to get into that unless you are a close relative and expcet some. Islam fixes the shares of every relative and no one is allowed to alter that

Answer 2

Some wills become public documents and are available through the local court house. Other's are sealed and the contents never publically disclosed. The best bet would be to contact either a "senior" member of the family or the lawyers responsible for the will. They will tell you if the contents are available to you.