Do I have a right to know if my dad had a will or assets left behind?
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Do I have a right to know if my dad had a will or assets left behind?
Asked on August 7, 2019 under Estate Planning, Ohio
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 5 years ago | Contributor
Yes, you do. If your father had a Will and you were named as a beneficiary, then the executor is legally obligated to notify you. Additionally, if there is a Will and it has been entered for probate, then it is a now a matter of public record so you have a right to obtain a copy. If there wa sno Will, then your father died "intestate". This means that as his child you are his legal heir and entitled to a share of his assets. If your father was married at the time of his death, you can contact his wife regarding his estate. You can also check public records to find out about his assets or hire an asset location service that can do this for you.
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 5 years ago | Contributor
Yes, you do. If your father had a Will and you were named as a beneficiary, then the executor is legally obligated to notify you. Additionally, if there is a Will and it has been entered for probate, then it is a now a matter of public record so you have a right to obtain a copy. If there wa sno Will, then your father died "intestate". This means that as his child you are his legal heir and entitled to a share of his assets. If your father was married at the time of his death, you can contact his wife regarding his estate. You can also check public records to find out about his assets or hire an asset location service that can do this for you.
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