Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in New York
Probated Wills-Public Records
Once a will has been probated and filed in Surrogate Court does it become a public record viewable upon request?
Asked on 10/26/06, 4:11 pm
3 Answers from Attorneys
Walter LeVine
Walter D. LeVine, Esq.
Re: Probated Wills-Public Records
I agree with the other authors, in particular Andrew. Unless for some special reason the Surrogate has ordered it to be sealed (very rare), it is a public document viewable by anyone.
Answered on 10/26/06, 6:38 pm
Norman Nadel
Norman Nadel, Esq.
Re: Probated Wills-Public Records
Yes
Answered on 10/26/06, 4:25 pm
Andrew Nitzberg
Andrew Nitzberg & Associates
Re: Probated Wills-Public Records
Yes. But it can be 'closed' if there is any articulable reason for it to be closed.
However, any 'interested person' (anyone related to the deceased or any person named in the will) may petition the court for a copy of the will and the petition will 99.9% of the time be granted.
Answered on 10/26/06, 4:31 pm
Related Questions & Answers
Looking for something else?
10,200 active attorneys ready to answer your legal questions today.
Featured Attorneys
Earn additional revenue and grow your business.
