Q: I'm inheriting a vacation home. Should I receive a copy of my dad's will, and from whom, or do I pay for that?
My dad passed Nov 2020 and the bulk of the estate goes to my dad's 2nd wife. I'm listed to receive the vacation home. I haven't read nor have received a copy of my Dad's will, the lawyer just read only the portion pertaining to me. Step mom is executor and hasn't offered a copy of the will and the lawyer told me I can get my own copy through the court house, me paying any copy fee. I thought all beneficiaries should receive a free copy. Am I incorrect? Also, step mom insisted I pay all utility bill's on the vacation house NOW, even though the deed transfer isn't finalized. I paid them just to keep her from sending me more nasty texts, but it doesn't seem legal.
A:
As far as a copy of the Will, the executor is required to send you a notice that you are a beneficiary of the Will, and describe your bequest. Most executors provide a copy of the Will, but unfortunately that is not required and your executor has chosen not to send a copy. Her attorney is correct that you can obtain a copy from the Register of Wills in the county courthouse. You can check on line--in some (not many) Pennsylvania counties the more recent Estates now have the records available for on-line viewing.
Again, typically, the Estate is responsible for property maintenance expenses while the property is owned by the Estate. Hopefully there will be no delay in transferring the Deed to you as well.
Michael Ryan Seward and Stephen M. Asbel agree with this answer
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