Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in California

If the testator has died, the will should be lodged in the court of the county in which s/he resided, and is then public record. If the testator is still alive, it is private.

I would add that if the testator is deceased, and you are a beneficiary or heir under a will, you would be entitled to notice of the Probate, if any. In that case, you would also be entitled to a copy of the will.

The only way to "flush out" a will for a decedent is to file your own petition for letters of administration, mail copies to the whole family, and watch what happens. An attorney can really help you here.