Who is entitled to see a copy of a will?
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Who is entitled to see a copy of a will?
Under the strict common law in past years, only the Executors or personal representatives of the estate were entitled to see the Will. Even if you were named as a beneficiary in the Will, this did not necessarily mean that you were entitled to see a copy of it.
How do you find out if a will exists?
How to Find Out if a Will Exists. The first thing to do is to find out if a will has gone through probate. If you know where the decedent died, contact the probate court in that county. If a will was filed in the court, it will almost always be available to the public.
What happens if the original will is lost?
If a will is missing because it was stored in a bank vault destroyed in a fire, the probate court may accept a photocopy of the will (or the lawyer’s draft or computer file). However, the court will probably require evidence that the decedent properly signed the original.
Where are records of wills kept?
The Archives Office of New South Wales
Can I view a will?
The best way to view the will is to get the probate court file number. The executor can give you this information. You may also be able to access the file number by phone, online, or in person at the courthouse by providing the deceased’s name and date of death.
