Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in New York

Are wills public record?

I am would like to know if wills in New York State are public record after the person who's will it is has passed away and some of the assets in the estate have already been distributed.


Asked on 11/17/02, 10:50 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Norman Nadel Norman Nadel, Esq.

Re: Are wills public record?

A will filed for probate (and this can only be done after death) with the Surrogate's Court is a public record.

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Answered on 11/18/02, 8:52 am
Walter LeVine Walter D. LeVine, Esq.

Re: Are wills public record?

Once probated, all wills are public documents unless the Court itself has ordered that it be sealed.

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Answered on 11/18/02, 1:42 pm


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