Where canI get a copy of my deceased mother’s Will?
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Where canI get a copy of my deceased mother’s Will?
Do I have to go to the probate court in the county where she died in order to view her Will?
Asked on January 8, 2012 under Estate Planning, Florida
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Has the Will been entered into probate yet? If not, then you need to be a beneficiary under the Will in order to be entitled to view it; a copy of a Will need not be given to those that are not inheriting under it. However, practically speaking, even if an executor declined to give you a copy of a Will (if you have in fact asked), anyone who wants to see it after the testator's (maker's) death can. Why? Because at such time as a Will is probated it becomes a matter of public record; it can be viewed by anyone. Contact the Probate Court in the county where your mother was domiciled at the time of her death. It will be on file there and for a small fee you can obtain a copy.
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