How can I find out if my grandfather wrote a Will?

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How can I find out if my grandfather wrote a Will?

My grandfather has 3 blood children. Then my mom who shares the same mother as them but her blood father is actually my grandfather’s brother. On a document my grandad had to sign whilst in hospital he stated my mum as his next of kin. This caused outrage between the 3 blood children as they were extremely jealous. My mother has taken full-time care of my grandad throughout his illness during the past year and he also lived with my mother for the past 10 years. She also gave up her career in order to care for him. How can I confirm what my grandad wanted as he left no will as far as I can see?

Asked on November 17, 2011 under Estate Planning, Alaska

Answers:

FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 12 years ago | Contributor

The best way to determine if your grandfather passed away with a Will is to go down to the county courthouse in the county where he resided at the time of his death and do a search to see if there is any probate proceeding or any intestacy proceeding (no Will in this case) as to your grandfather.

The above proceedings are public records and you can review any file on the subject. If you are unsuccessful in your search, you might ask family friends if there is a known Will. Possibly he might not have left a Will or a trust. If your grandfather left no Will or trust document, his estate gets resolved through the court's intestacy process where certain relatives closest in blood line get his assets.


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