Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Florida

If I am not a family member, am a beneficiary, and cannot find the will, how can

Eddie has been a friend of the family since I was four years old. This is because he wasn't close to his own family. He died today. He had a will made up, but we are unable to find it. The firm that drew up the will is no longer in business. His brother is on his way to Florida and refuses to even have a service for Eddie. How do I locate the will?


Asked on 1/24/02, 6:53 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Sanford Martin Martin Law Office

Re: If I am not a family member, am a beneficiary, and cannot find the will, how

There is no legal requirement to record or file wills. Most persons keep them with their personal papers or in a safety deposit box. If your friend left a will, it must be filed in the office of Clerk of Court in the county of residence. If a will can't be located, he will be deemed to have died intestate, meaning his property will be distributed according to state law. Good luck.

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Answered on 1/24/02, 10:37 pm


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