Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Pennsylvania
how to know if a will was changed
I believe my mother talked my father into changing his will, leaving everything to her and not a single cent to his four children. This is very unlike him. How can I ever find out if that is what she did. He owned a fair amount of properties, and since his death has squandered almost all of them and depleted all his hard earned work. I don't trust her financially. They had a fair amount of assets, and now she pleads poverty and has sold many of the properties to pay taxes, etc. Thank you.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: how to know if a will was changed
If your father had a will at the time of his death, it had to be filed in the county where he resided, and the person who was appointed in the will and received "Letters Testamentary" from the Register of Wills granting authority to act on behalf of the estate had the duty to notify all heirs and beneficiaries under the will and to take other steps to administer and close the estate.
If your mother didn't do this, you may seek letters of administration yourself, or at least ask the Register of Wills how to file a Caveat, requiring notice to be given to you if anyone presents a will.
You may also check with the Register of Wills to find out if your mother did file the will and get Letters issued to her. If she did, you have the right to seek an accounting.
You may need to consult with an estates/probate lawyer to assist you.
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