Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Ohio
How do I view the will of a deceased relative
Are wills public records? Is there a central place where these documents can be accessed, viewed, copied (like birth and death records). I would like a copy of the will of a deceased relative but choose not to go through the executor who has chosen not to share with the family the contents of this particular will. Do I/or anyone have a right to this information? How can it be obtained? Thanks very much.
3 Answers from Attorneys
Re: How do I view the will of a deceased relative
Assume for a minute that the estate was probated, then the will, as welll as the general size of the estate, is public information available at the probate court in the county where the decedent passed away.
Re: How do I view the will of a deceased relative
The will should be filed with your County's Probate Court. Go to the Clerk of Court's office in the Probate Court section of your County Court House. If the will has been filed, you are entitled to see it and purchase a photocopy.
Let Your Fingers Do The Walking
Look up the telephone number for your county Probate Court. It may be listed in the blue pages under County Government, - Courts, - Probate. Call the general number given for the Probate Court (NOT THE PROBATION DIVISION), and inquire whether there is a probate proceeding under your relative's name. If so, then the will is most likely in the file and available for your inspection. Get the case number from the person who looks up the record, and then go down there to review and/or photocopy the will.
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