How can I find out if I am mentioned in a will
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How can I find out if I am mentioned in a will
Our family is estranged and a parent died
How can I find out if I am mentioned in a will in
Sequim Wa
Asked on July 31, 2017 under Estate Planning, Washington
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 7 years ago | Contributor
First of all, you cab check to see if your father's Will has been filed with the probate court. If it has, then it is a matter of public record so you have a right to see it. If it has not yet been filed, you can still obtain a copy. This is because legally you are what is referred to as an "interested party", that is someone who would have inherited if there was no Will (pursuant to "intestate succession"). Consequently, since whether or not a Will exists affects your rights, you have a stake or "standing" which means that you the right to bring a legal action to view the Will. If it is determined that your father did not have a Will, then he died "intestate" which means that as his heir you are entitled to a portion of his estate.
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