How will I be notified if I’m an heir to a Will?
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How will I be notified if I’m an heir to a Will?
I live in Jerusalem, Israel and my close family friend unexpectedly passed away. Her brother is executor of the estate: house to be sold, other properties. She has no other family so I think as a close family friend I could be in the Will. Does the attorney contact me via mail? Would my address be on the will or would her brother, the executor of the estate, be responsible to tell me if I’m an heir to anything?
Asked on July 14, 2011 under Estate Planning, Arizona
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
I am so sorry for your loss. Yes, the Executor of the last Will and Testament has the responsibility of making sure that parties that are named as beneficiaries in a Will are notified that the Will is being "offered for Probate" or in plain english is being submitted to the court for approval and to allow the executor to distribute the assets of the decedent (here his sister) in accordance with her wishes. If you are mentioned you should also get a copy of the Will with the notification (sometimes called a Citation). I wold make the effort to contact your friend's brother if you believe you are named and given where you are. And you can get a copy of the Will once it is filed in Probate Court as it is a public record. Good luck.
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