What can I do to get a copy of a Will in which I am a named beneficiary?
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What can I do to get a copy of a Will in which I am a named beneficiary?
My grandmother passed away last month leaving me and her daughters in her Will. My Aunt Shelly is power of attorney/executor and she’s telling me that she’s trying to give me $200 a month, telling me, “Probably for the rest of your life, because there’s over $40,000 there for you”. She also says, “I have strict instructions from your grandmother not to give you a large amount”. I haven’t seen the Will and she won’t let me see it. She won’t provide the lawyer’s name/phone number who handled it all. I have a feeling something shady is going on here. Maybe she’s just giving me $200 a month out of her own pocket, to shut me up so she can keep my 40k? What should I do? I want what I was left.
Asked on December 17, 2015 under Estate Planning, Arizona
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 8 years ago | Contributor
If the Will has not been probated yet, then in that event anyone who is an immediate family member of the deceased (whether or not they are listed in the Will) is legally entitled to see a copy of it; The same is true for anyone who is listed in the Will as a beneficiary (whether or not they are a family member). This is because any of the foregoing people are considered to be an "interested party". If the Will has already been probated, then anyone is entitled to a copy since it now a matter of public record.
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