It’s always a dramatic scene in the movies. Someone dies, and the relatives that haven’t spoken in a dozen years are forced to come together and pretend like they like each other so they can hear who was left an inheritance and see who was removed from the will. Thankfully, this common movie scene is nothing like what happens in real life.
A will is located, and given to the estate’s attorney. The attorney for the estate will send copies, usually by certified mail, to anyone who was named a beneficiary, as well as the executor of the will. In the event any of the beneficiaries are minor children or incapacitated, the guardian of the beneficiary will also be sent a copy.
The estate attorney will also likely send a copy to anyone who was named a beneficiary but was removed from the will, as well as anyone who would have received an inheritance had their not been a will, typically children or close family. It is legally possible to contest a will, so sending copies to these people limits the time frame for them to file a will contest.
The estate’s accountant, the IRS, and the successor trustee of the trust are all entitled to copies of the will. It’s important to remember that once the will is probated, anyone can read it as it will be available to the public.
