Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in California

Re: My grandmother wants to view her will but my aunt refuses to show her

First of all, if it is HER will, then your aunt has no authority not to show it to her.

If your grandmother used an attorney, that person should also have retained a copy for their files; perhaps calling them would be a viable alternative?

Of course, I must make you aware that the will alone will NOT avoid probate, she will need to take additional steps to do so. These can include labeling property in joint tenancy, having Payable on Death benefits and accounts as well as the creation of a family trust.

The last, the family trust, is our recommendation to all of our clients. It allows for the most flexibility as well as the most tax savings. We actually offer a complete package for far lower than most other attorneys. This includes the will, the trust, a living will, a durable power of asset management and the required HIPAA (health privacy) documentation.

If you have problems with obtaining the will, your grandmother may just want to create a new one that clearly states that "this will revokes all previous and prior wills".

If you would like to discuss this matter in a more private forum, please feel free to contact me directly at the email provided by LawGuru or through our firm�s website located at PasadenaEstatePlanning.com.

We also offer a wealth of information about wills, trusts and probate on our other site located at

No-Probate.com

Please Note that this answer does not create an attorney-client relationship. The answer is solely based on the information provided.

Re: My grandmother wants to view her will but my aunt refuses to show her

Is there anyone else with a copy, like her attorney? If not, and your aunt refuses, your grandmother could sue your aunt for its return, but it'd be easier for your grandmother to execute a new will, assuming she has mental capacity.