QUESTION
Is there a way to find out if a will from a parent has been read yet?
Asked on Oct 19th, 2020 on Wills and Probate - California
More details to this question:
My motherinlaw passed about 10, 11 months ago. Her husband years before that. She gave responsibilitys to their daughter to handle for herself and her brother, my husband. The sister has 3, 4 kids. My husband & I have 1. My husband died in 2014, before his mom. I spoke to my motherinlaw briefly asking if I would receive the inheritance that would have gone to my husband. She told me that she would leave that up to the daughter. I dont know if I will receive anything but their grandchildren were named in the will. Motherinlaw told me that. My daughter nor I have heard a word and was curious if anything gas been done or started. The parents were pretty well off financially. Is there a way that this information can be found by myself or my daughter?
1 ANSWER
2 Awards
In most states there is no longer a "reading of the Will." That practice dates to the time when most people could not read. Now, if a Will has been submitted to a court for probate (proving), anyone can see it in the county probate court records. In some counties these are available online.
Please note that no beneficiary should expect to receive a distribution 11 months after the person has died. Generally more than a year must elapse before a beneficiary can request an accounting. This is to give the executor time to file the final income tax return (not due until the next year) and at least begin to pay creditors.
Answered on Oct 20th, 2020 at 5:08 AM
This is general information. It cannot substitute for a personal consultation with an attorney. It is not intended to be legal advice or imply an attorney-client relationship.