Is an adult child entitled to a copy of their parent’s Will?
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Is an adult child entitled to a copy of their parent’s Will?
My husband has been trying to obtain a copy of his mother’s Will for some time. The attorney ignores email requests, is never available by telephone and does not return calls. My husband’s older sister seems to be running the show. They have been estranged for years. His mother was living out of state before her death. His sister is living there now.
Asked on April 5, 2012 under Estate Planning, New Hampshire
Answers:
Steven Fromm / Steven J Fromm & Associates, P.C.
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
The will once probated is a matter of public record. Call the register of wills in the county where the decedent lived at the time of his death to request a copy of the will and any other filings. Then immediately retain an estates attorney to protect your interests in the estate.
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
I am so sorry for your husband's loss. If his Mother passed and the Will was probated then he absolutely should have gotten a copy when it was admitted to probate. The attorney will not return his calls. He represents the sister in her capacity as executrix of the estate. He needs to have an attorney write a letter to the estate attorney regarding this. He can also go and review the probate file. It is a public record. But there are time constraints here with objecting, etc. Good luck.
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