Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in California

I need to get a will probated in California and then filed in Louisiana courthouse records. It is in regards to property interest that I inherited from my aunt and need the proof filed in the Louisiana courthouse records. The problem is that I only have a copy of the will and was told that I needed the original; which can not be located. Is there a way to file with just the copy or is there some other way to get this done? I contacted the Attorney who drew up the will who stated they do not keep these wills on file.

Thanks for your time and help,


Asked on 8/17/11, 11:16 am

3 Answers from Attorneys

Roy Hoffman Law Offices of Roy A. Hoffman

You can file a petition for probate without a will; however, unless you have the original of the will, you will probably be distributing the property in accordance with the intestate laws of California. Why do you need to file proof of a California probate in Louisiana? Does the decedent own property there?

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Answered on 8/17/11, 11:23 am

Mr. Hoffman is wrong that unless you have the original will intestate succession law applies. California as a complete statutory scheme for proving a will and its contents, including when the original is lost or destroyed. The simplest way to have a copy admitted is through the testimony of one of the witnesses that the copy is a true exact photocopy of the will. There are other, more convoluted methods as well, including use of handwriting experts. Take a look at Division 7, Part 2, Chapter 3 of the Probate Code.

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Answered on 8/17/11, 11:58 am
Donald Field Donald L. Field, Jr., Attorney at Law

yes, a copy of a duly executed will can be used to open a probate. if it is a self-proving will, testimony of one of the witnesses may not be necessary. attorney fees will be based on statutory rates determined by the value of the probate estate as appraised by the probate referee.

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Answered on 8/17/11, 12:08 pm


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