CanI get my brother-in-law to show us a copy of my sister’s Will?
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CanI get my brother-in-law to show us a copy of my sister’s Will?
My sister passed away 3 years ago. She told me and my siblings that she was leaving money to her nephews but we never got to see her Will. It was not probated. Is there any way that we can force my brother-inlaw to show us a copy of the Will?
Asked on July 28, 2010 under Estate Planning, New Jersey
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
I am sorry for you loss. This is a very touchy situation and one that may require consultation with an attorney in your area to see how to proceed. The issues I see - and concerns I have for your position - is that if all the property of the marriage was jointly held then it passed "by operation of law" to your brother in law upon the death of your sister. That would mean everything from the house to bank accounts. That may be the reason that no Will was probated. Are you sure that there even was a Will? Do you have proof of its existence (the name of an attorney who prepared it, the witnesses to the Will, etc.)? Generally a Court will uphold the wishes of the testator (your sister) once the existence of the Will and its contents are proven. Good luck.
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