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Am I entitled to a copy of the entire will in New York?

Am I entitled to a copy of the entire will in New York?

Q: What if I am not a beneficiary of the will?

If you are not a beneficiary, you generally do not have the right to view the will until it is probated. Only beneficiaries and certain interested parties can access the will once it is filed with the court. If you have questions about your rights, consider consulting an attorney.

Q: How can I obtain a copy of a probated will in New York?

To obtain a copy of a probated will in New York, you can visit the Surrogate's Court where the will was filed. You can request a copy for a small fee. The will is a public record, so anyone can access it once it has been probated.

Q: Are there any exceptions to viewing a will in New York?

While generally, you can view a probated will in New York, there may be exceptions based on specific circumstances, such as confidentiality agreements or certain legal protections. If you believe you have a valid reason to access a will, consider seeking legal advice.

Full question:

I was left money in someone's will in New York and I received only the page my name was on. I wanted to get a copy of the whole will and was told I wasn't entitled to it. Is this true?

Category: Wills and Estates
Date: 04/07/2025
State: New York

Answer:

If the will has been probated, it should be filed with the court, and you should be able to view it. Generally, there are no laws preventing you from seeing the entire will, but I cannot guarantee that there are no exceptions.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

Can I see a will before it is probated in New York?

In New York, a will is not public until it has been probated. Until then, only the executor and certain beneficiaries may access it. Once the will is filed with the court, it becomes a public document. You can then request to see it, but you may not have access to it before probate.