If I don’t speak to my family and both my parents have passed away, how do I find out if there was a Will left with my name in it?
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If I don’t speak to my family and both my parents have passed away, how do I find out if there was a Will left with my name in it?
My last surviving parent died recently.
Asked on November 27, 2014 under Estate Planning, Washington
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 10 years ago | Contributor
I am so sorry for your loss. If there was a Will that listed you as beneficiary then you have to receive a copy and/or notice that it is being offered for Probate (the Probate Petition is being filed in Court). If you do not speak with anyone and they do not know where you are then most likely that notice will be a publication in a paper that the court will designate. The likelihood may be is that you will miss that publication and then miss the opportunity to assert certain rights. If there was already a proceeding filed it is considered a public record so you can check the Probate Court in the county in which your parents resided at the time of their death. Otherwise I would strongly suggest that you hire a lawyer to make contact with your family on your behalf to advise them of your whereabouts and address for service. Good luck.
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