Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Pennsylvania

Getting a copy of a will

How can I get a copy of my Mother-in-law's will to see if my children were left anything. I was widowed 12 twelve years ago & am not on good terms with the family & want to see what was left & to whom & any changes that were made & when to see if any action should take place on behalf of my children. She passed away in October, 2006. Do all wills have to be filed with the court in Philadelphia? Please advise- thank you.


Asked on 11/19/06, 11:56 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Miriam Jacobson Retired from practice of law

Re: Getting a copy of a will

In Pennsylvania, a Will should be filed in the county where the deceased resided at the time of death. You may call the Register of Wills office to ask if an estate was opened [a will was filed or someone applied for letters of administration without filing a Will]. Sometimes, family do not administer the estate properly, although that is what is required. If anything was filed, the person who is administering the estate should have sent notice to heirs and beneficiaries in the will.

The Register of Wills may not be able to send you a copy of the Will, if one was filed. Just ask how you could get a copy without going to the Register's Office. For a small charge, they may make a copy and send it to you.

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Answered on 11/20/06, 12:11 pm


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