How can I obtain a copy of a Will that was probated in 1997?

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How can I obtain a copy of a Will that was probated in 1997?

I understand that the attorney for this Will has since passed away, so don’t know what has happened to his records. I have the attorney’s old address but do not know the name of the firm he worked in. I have obtained the probate court docket number and dates that different segments were filed. Where do I look if I don’t have the name of the probate court? What are my options?

Asked on June 18, 2011 under Estate Planning, Texas

Answers:

M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 12 years ago | Contributor

Once a Will is filed with the probate court it becomes a matter of public record. Anyone can obtain a copy (typically for a small fee). What you need to do is to go the the robate court where this matter was filed. The clerk of the court can help you. To find the rights probate court, go to the court in the county in which the deceased was domiciled as of the date of their death. That is the court that would have had jurisdiction over the matter.


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