Viewing Fathers Will

Summary

In Georgia, you have the right to request a copy of a deceased parents will. Executors must file the will with the probate court. If the executor refuses, you can file a lawsuit, and they may face penalties such as fines or jail time. Legal aid organizations can help draft a demand letter and provide further assistance.

Full Conversation

I wanna see a copy of my father's will. My mother won't show up to me. And he passed away six months ago and she has not probated the will.
Hello ****, I'm sorry for your loss. In order to assist you better, could you please tell me in which country or state you are located? Different jurisdictions have different laws regarding probate and wills.
Georgia
Hello ****,
In Georgia:
- All wills are required to be filed with the probate court, even if not probated.
- You can request a copy from the court clerk's office.
- If the will is probated, it becomes public record.

Please contact your local probate court for more assistance.
She has not provided the will
Hello ****,
If the will has not been provided, you can take legal action. In Georgia, a person withholding a will can be compelled by the court to produce it. You may need to hire a probate attorney for this.
I cannot afford an attorney
Hello ****, I understand your situation. In Georgia, there are legal aid organizations that provide free or low-cost legal services. You may reach out to them for assistance regarding your issue.
I wanted to send her a demand letter to show it to me. But I need to know what the specific law is. That says that I have a right to see a copy
Hello ****,
In Georgia, under the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) § *-*-*, a possessor of a will must deliver it to the probate court or to the executor named in the will. Failure to do so can result in liability for damages.
What if my mom is the excectutor
Hello ****,
Even if your mother is the executor, she is obligated by law (OCGA § *-*-*) to submit the will to the probate court. As an interested party, you have the right to a copy. If she fails to comply, she may be held liable for damages.
Will a demand letter help?
Hello ****,
A demand letter can indeed help. It formalizes your request and shows seriousness, potentially leading to resolution without going to court. However, legal assistance is recommended to draft it effectively. Georgia Legal Services Program may assist you at low or no cost.
Is there a template you could provide?
Hello ****,
I'm afraid I can't provide a specific template, but your demand letter should include your request for the will, reference the applicable Georgia law (OCGA § *-*-*), and outline potential legal action if your request is not fulfilled. Consider seeking help from a legal aid organization in drafting this. Answer:
I don't know if I am named in it or not.
Hello ****,
Whether or not you're named in the will, as a direct descendant and an interested party, you have a legal right to request a copy of the will under Georgia law. If the executor refuses, you can seek legal assistance or contact your local probate court.
What happens if she refuses to show it to me?
Hello ****,
If your mother refuses to show you the will, you can file a lawsuit in the probate court in Georgia. The court may then order her to produce the will and can impose penalties if she continues to refuse. This process may require legal assistance.
What type of penalties?
Hello ****,
If she refuses to present the will, she may be held liable for damages resulting from the delay. Also, under Georgia law, she can be cited for contempt of court which may result in fines or even jail time.
Should I mention that in the letter?
Hello ****,
Yes, in your demand letter you should mention potential legal consequences of not complying, such as being held liable for damages and possible contempt of court charges. This illustrates the seriousness of your request and may motivate compliance.
I know that he has a will. I also know that he did it through the lawyer but I don't know who. Is there a way that I can find that out for free?
Hello ****,
Identifying the attorney who drafted the will can be challenging. You might want to check your father's paperwork for any correspondence from a law firm. Alternatively, if the will was notarized, the notary may have records. You could also try contacting local law firms your father may have used.
I would not know where to begin. I have no idea who the lawyer could possibly be or the notary
Hello ****, I understand your predicament. One solution could be to place a notice in local newspapers or online platforms stating your father's name and the request for information about his will. This might reach the lawyer who drafted the will or someone with relevant information.
I didn't know that lawyers read the local paper for such things.
Hello ****,
While not all lawyers may check local newspapers, an announcement can reach a wider audience and might be seen by someone who knows about your father's will or the attorney involved. It's an avenue worth exploring.
Is there any other advice that you have for me? Do you think a demand letter is the best next app for me to try on my own?
Hello ****,
Yes, sending a demand letter is a good first step. It allows you to formally request the will and highlight the legal consequences for non-compliance. Remember to keep a copy for your records. If this doesn't work, consider seeking help from legal aid or contacting the probate court.
Is there any other advice that you have for me?
Hello ****,
Given your situation, it's advisable to maintain a written record of your interactions regarding the will. This can be useful if legal action becomes necessary. Remember, patience and persistence are key in such matters. Good luck!
Thank you.
You're welcome, ****. Don't hesitate to reach out if you have more questions in the future. Remember, knowledge of your rights is the first step in any legal process. Good luck with your situation.