Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Pennsylvania

How to get copy of Will?

my grandmother passed away 2 years ago. The house is left to: myself 1/4, brother 1/4 and mother 1/2. My brother refuses to sell it and has taken all of the furniture and anything of value out of the house. He was willed only one piece of furniture in the residence. I asked him about the will and he refuses to tell me anything. I called the local county office to inquire but they said there is nothing on record, which i guess means it wasn't probated? Can he just take everything out of the house like this?? I just want my 1/4 of the value of the property and nothing more. What are my options?


Asked on 6/05/09, 3:05 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Miriam Jacobson Retired from practice of law

Re: How to get copy of Will?

If there was a will and you know that your brother had it, you may go to the Register of Wills Office and file a citation requiring him to probate the will.

If he claims that there is no will, then your mother and other heirs have the right to petition to be appointed by the Register of Wills as administrator[s] of your grandmother's estate.

This response is not legal advice, since I do not have all of the information that would be required, and I do not have a representation agreement with you.

* If the answers to your question confirm that you have a valid issue or worthwhile claim, your next step should almost always be to establish a dialog with a lawyer who can provide specific advice to you. Contact a lawyer in your county or township.

* Another reason for contacting a lawyer is that it is often impossible to give a good answer in the Internet Q&A format without having more information. The unique circumstances of your situation and things that you may not have thought to mention in your question may completely change the answer. If you want to be sure that you have a complete answer to your question and an understanding of what that answer means, establish a connection with a lawyer who practices in the area of your concern.

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Answered on 6/05/09, 5:40 pm


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