Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Connecticut
Does a beneficiary have a right to see the will?
My grandmother died over a year ago. My uncle says I and my mother (now deceased) are named as beneficiaries, but he has refused to allow me to see the will and he has not filed the will with the court. He finally gave me the name of the legal firm that is handling this matter. Should I contact this firm? Is there anything short of filing probate myself to see the will?
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Does a beneficiary have a right to see the will?
The law requires a named executor to file the will with probate within 30 days of death (assuming the will is valid on its face). It is a public document and you have every right to read it. Contact the law firm. If they, or your uncle, won't file the will, you can apply to open an estate yourself. That would force them to cough up the will; but contact the law firm first. My guess is that they'll share the will with you.
Re: Does a beneficiary have a right to see the will?
May I add that there are criminal sanctions if one has possession of a will and fails to file it within 30 days of death.
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