Q: I have a question about getting a copy of my parents will when my brother will not let me see it.
My mom died in 2011, and my dad died just last week. My brother was named his POA. My brother refused to let me see my moms will and I only discovered my dad had one when I asked a few days ago. I contacted the county where my mother died and her will was not filed with the courts. My dad died in a different county and it also hasn't been filed. How can I get a copy of the will of my brother wont give it? Should I give it time for it to be filed with the county and look at it then? Does my brother have any authority on it now that both parents are gone?
A:
This might help:
Title 58. Probate Procedure
Chapter 2 - Probate of Wills
General Provisions
Section 24 - Production of Will May be Compelled by the Court
Cite as: O.S. §, __ __
If it be alleged in the petition that the will is in the possession of a third person and the court is satisfied that the allegation is correct, an order must be issued and served upon the person having possession of the will, requiring him to produce it in the court at the time named in the order. If he has possession of the will and neglects or refuses to produce it in obedience to the order, he may by warrant of the court be committed to the jail of the county, and kept in close confinement until he produces it.
Matt Fleischer agrees with this answer
A:
I agree with Richard.
In addition, note that powers granted under a POA terminate upon the death of the grantor. Also note the following statute, which is Section 21 of Title 58:
“Every custodian of a will, within thirty days after receipt of information that the maker thereof is dead, must deliver the same to the district court having jurisdiction of the estate, or to the executor named therein. A failure to comply with the provisions of this section makes the person failing responsible for all damages sustained by any one injured thereby.”
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
