Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in New Jersey
copies of grandmother's will
My grandmother passed away on Jan. 24,2009. As excutoress of her will, do I have to provide copies for relatives named in her will?
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: copies of grandmother's will
Yes.
As the executor, you have a duty to provide "Notice of Probate" to all those who are named as beneficiaries in the will, and also to any heirs at law [e.g. to a person who would be entitled to an intestate share of the estate in the event there was no will]. As part of the Notice of Probate, you are required to provide a copy of the will to each of these interested parties.
It is very important that you comply with the Court Rules regarding Notice of Probate, because if you don't, the time limit for a beneficiary to contest the will does not start to run.
Re: copies of grandmother's will
Yes. You should send each of the beneficiaries a copy by certified mail, return receipt requested. If the Estate has substantial assets, and if any beneficiaries are not children or grandchildren, there are tax considerations involved. You may want to consult with an attorney. We offer a free initial consultation.