Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in California
Hi everyone-
What kind of special paper is used when drafting the original will? It appears that over time the paper used falls apart , just disappears. It is not like your everyday paper. Question.... Is the original trust and will printed on this kind of paper only? Do they make copies of the trust and will using this same special paper or are the copies copied on regular everyday paper? Is it true that the probate dept. will only accept the original will when filing it and keeping it for safe keeping? Thanks again
3 Answers from Attorneys
There is no legal requirement as to what type of paper is used. It is of course to best to use a paper that will last. The court wants you to file the original but will accept a copy if you do not have the original.
There is no "special will paper". A Will should be filed with the Clerk after the death of the Testator. Trusts generally are not filed with the Court unless there is an action related to it; that is kind of the point of Trusts, they are not usually court supervised.
I use acid free paper to prepare trusts, wills, and deeds which should last a long time. Recycled paper is required for court documents, such as motions and pleadings, but this is not required for originals submitted to the court as exhibits. Recycled paper is not acid free, and deteriorates rather rapidly.