Stuttgart, AR asked in Estate Planning for Arizona

Q: How do I find out if my father had a will? My adopted brother says that he is going through probate to get my father's $

My stepmother passed away about a year ago.

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1 Lawyer Answer
Marcus N. Seiter
Marcus N. Seiter
Answered
  • Estate Planning Lawyer
  • Tempe, AZ
  • Licensed in Arizona

A: If your father made his will in Arizona prior to 1984, then itmight be deposited with the probate registrar in the county where he made that will. For most people however, the best way to find a deceased person's will is to look through the deceased's house, safe deposit box, and storage. If you cannot find a will, the next best way to search for one is to have an estate/probate attorney post a query on the State Bar of Arizona Probate and Trust Law Section listserv. if your father made a will in another state, you may want to contact an estate/probate attorney in that other state to help you.

This next part does not answer your specific question, but it may help your situation. If there is no will and your adopted brother opens probate, you may still be entitled to your share as one of the deceased's offspring. I recommend you contact a probate attorney to help you protect your interest in your father's estate.

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