Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Missouri
My mother (who died three weeks ago) had her will done by an attorney in Missouri. He retired, then died, and left his practice and clients with someone else. We contacted the new attorney and asked her for a copy of the will. She told us that is in storage somewhere and she would get the copy to us, but she has stopped taking our calls and we are getting no where fast. Do attorneys register the wills with the State and are we able to get a copy from the state?
1 Answer from Attorneys
I am sorry to hear fo yrou mother's passing. It is unusual for a testator to leave the original will with their attonrey. Most attorneys will nto take that kidn fo liability on. Perhaps it is in a safe deposit box or drawer. If you cannot find it, it may be found to have presumeably been destroyed by your mother. But you might be able to prove up a copy of the will to act as the will in the estate. For that reason you may have to get a copy form the new attorney if you can. You said that you contacted the new attonrey and she indicated that if she has the will, it is in storage. Sinc eyou did nto mention how much you are paying te new attorney to retrieve a copy of the will, it may be unreasonabe to expect to get it in a matter of just a few weeks. Perhaps you are not paying her enough to get it for you.
Good luck