Q: Am I entitled to view a copy of a will in which I am a beneficiary?
My late brother was named as a beneficiary in the will of a friend who died last year. It has been going through probate. I have been told that, as my brother's direct heir, I will be receiving 20% of the estate but have seen nothing in writing. I have contacted the law firm handing the estate, asking for a copy of the will, but have heard no reply. What are my options?
A: Since the will is being probated, a copy can be obtained from the court in which the proceeding is located.
A: Most probate documents are part of the public record, including the deceased person's last will and testament. It would be attached as an exhibit to the Petition for Probate that is filed to start a probate case. Also, the original Will is required to be filed with the Probate Clerk in the same county. I would check the court website to see if you can pay to get a copy of the Petition for Probate online or you can go to the courthouse and get a copy.
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