Do all persons who are named in a Will need to be present when it is read?
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Do all persons who are named in a Will need to be present when it is read?
Asked on February 15, 2016 under Estate Planning, Maryland
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 8 years ago | Contributor
First of all, the "reading of the Will" is an antiquated formality that almost never occurs in this day and age. Generally speaking, a beneficiary's right to inherit does not depend on their presence at hte reading, should there even be one. The fact is that, the executor has a legal obligation to notify all named beneficaires as to their inheritance and to dispense the assets according to the wishes of the decedent.
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