Can an attorney deny a family member or beneficiary a copy of a Will?
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Can an attorney deny a family member or beneficiary a copy of a Will?
Asked on January 15, 2014 under Estate Planning, Oregon
Answers:
MD, Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 10 years ago | Contributor
No an attorney cannot deny a beneficiary a copy of the will nor a family member because that will becomes a public document when probated. The attorney may be serving as the executor and if that is the case, the attorney should understand he or she has a fiduciary responsibility to ensure the deceased's wishes are taken care of as stated in the will. If you are, however, someone who is specifically excluded from the will, then the lawyer doesn't have any obligation to you.
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