How can I find out if my father left a Will?
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How can I find out if my father left a Will?
My father died 4 months ago and I was his only child. His wife, not my mother, said I was not left anything in his Will. How can I find out if this was true? If I was not named in the Will do I have any legal standing to receive anything from his estate?
Asked on February 27, 2017 under Estate Planning, Texas
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 7 years ago | Contributor
The fact is that parents can disinherit their chilren. However, in many states, the Will must have specifc language of disinhetiance. Accordingly, you need to see your father's Will. If it has been filed for probate it is now a matter of public record so you (or anyone) can pay a small veiw and get a copy. If it has not yet been so filed, you still have a right to see it as an heir (i.e. an "interesed party" since if there is no Will you will inherit a share of the estate). At this point you can contact the probate court in the county in which your father was domicled when he died and/or consult directly with a local probate attorney.
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