Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Arizona
question about a will
My sister who had been estranged from the family for years recently passed away. Since my parents are both deceased I was contacted by the Executer and informed of her death even though I am not listed as the next of kin on the Death Certificate- He found my phone number in her phone book.
He told me a little about her illness and where she was living up until her death. The only information I requested from him at the time was a copy of her Death Certificate and a copy of her will. He did send me a copy of the Death Certificate but not of the will. I have since tried to contact him leaving several v/m messages and he has not responded. My question is: Legally being the next of kin am I entitled to a copy of her will.
I am not sure of what possessions she had or did not have and am really not interested in any of that but would just like a copy for my family records.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: question about a will
Arizona law entitles you to a copy of the will. I presume your sister was not married nor had children.
If the executor (or custodian) of the will will not produce it, get an estate attorney. If the will is probated, it will be filed with the court. You can search for a probate filing in the Maricopa County Superior Court web site, but if it was probated you probably would have received a copy of the court papers. My guess will be that your sister's assets went to others by joint tenancy or POD survivorship.
Good luck,
James D. Jenkins
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