It is important to understand the probate process. Too often, it can be a long and complicated process, especially if the will is missing or destroyed. It is crucial to take action as soon as possible. You can ensure that you carry out your loved one’s final wishes by taking action. Additionally, this can help ensure that the probate process runs smoothly. In this article, we will explore the steps you should take if your loved one’s will is accidentally damaged or destroyed.
What to Do if Your Will is Accidentally Damaged or Destroyed
Wondering what happens to your estate, or your loved one’s, if your will is accidentally damaged or destroyed? Well you are not alone. Accidents happen, and important documents like wills are often lost in fires, floods, or other unexpected events. Especially when the elderly tend to forget where they stored items. But don’t panic – there are options for probating a damaged or destroyed will.
Common Places to Look for a Will
When a person drafts their will, there are a number of places where they can file their original and duplicate for safekeeping. If you are an estate executor or family member looking for a photocopy of the will, here are some common places to look:
- In the testator’s home, in a safe or waterproof/fireproof container
- The testator’s office
- The estate executor’s home or office
- With the estate planning attorney who helped draft the document
- At the county clerk’s office
- In a bank safe deposit box (Note: while banks can keep your documents safe from natural disasters, it’s not always a good idea to store your paperwork there. Financial institutions can be very strict about access to safe deposit boxes. Without the proper paperwork and permissions in place, an executor or family member might not be able to obtain the will without a court order.)
It is important to check all these places thoroughly as you may not know where the testator kept their will.
Submitting a Photocopy of a Will for Probate
If the original will is missing or destroyed, you can submit a photocopy of the will for probate with additional evidence such as an explanation of the destruction, proof of beneficiaries’ consent, and affidavits from witnesses who signed the original will. The court will want to see evidence that the original will was accidentally destroyed, plus proof that the beneficiaries consent to probating a photocopy of the will.
It is important to keep in mind that each state has its own probate laws and requirements for submitting a photocopy of a will. An estate planning attorney can guide you through the process and ensure that you have all the necessary documentation and evidence to submit a photocopy of the will for probate.
Consequences of an Intestate Estate
If a will cannot be found, the estate will be considered “intestate” and assets will be distributed according to state probate code. In this case, the laws of intestacy decide how to distribute the assets among the descendants heirs. This means that the assets may not be distributed according to the testator’s wishes and may not go to the beneficiaries named in the will. This can lead to family conflicts and disputes.
It’s important to take action as soon as possible if you suspect that a will may have been accidentally damaged or destroyed. Contacting an estate planning attorney is a good first step, as they can help you navigate the probate process and ensure that your loved one’s final wishes are carried out.
The Importance of Safekeeping Your Will
Having multiple copies of your will is important to prevent loss or damage. Therefore, storing these copies in safe and secure places is crucial. To keep your will safe, you should have a copy at home. This copy should be stored in a fireproof and waterproof container. Additionally, it is recommended that you keep a copy in a safe deposit box and another copy with your estate planning attorney. It’s also a good idea to give a copy to your executor or a trusted family member.
It’s also important to review your will periodically and to update it as needed. This includes updating it after major life events such as the birth of a child, a divorce, or the death of a beneficiary.
Contact an Estate Planning Attorney
Dealing with the loss or damage of a will can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. To ensure your loved one’s final wishes are carried out, you can hire an estate planning attorney. They can guide you through the process of probating a damaged or destroyed will. They can also advise you on how to safely store your will and review and update it as needed.
The Probate Process with a Damaged or Copy of a Will
When you submit a will for probate, the court will determine its validity and authenticity. When the court accepts the will, the court appoints an executor. This executor is responsible for carrying out the instructions in the will. The executor’s responsibilities include managing the deceased person’s assets and paying debts and taxes. They are also responsible for distributing the remaining assets to the beneficiaries as specified in the will.
It’s important to note that the probate process can be time-consuming and costly. An estate planning attorney can help you navigate the process. It is important to ensure that you do everything in a timely and efficient manner.
Probate Without a Will
When you cannot find a last will after the death of the testator, the probate court follows a set of rules. The probate court governs the distribution of the estate by following these rules. These rules will determine what happens to the deceased person’s property. The specific process and outcome will depend on the laws of the state where the deceased person lived and the circumstances of the case.
Generally, if you cannot find a last will, the court will presume that the testator did not leave a valid will. This means that the laws of intestacy will decide how to distribute the deceased person’s property. Intestacy is a set of rules that govern the distribution of a person’s property when they die without a valid will.
In some cases, you cannot find a will, but there’s evidence that the testator did in fact create a will. Therefore the court may consider this evidence in making a determination. For example, what if the testator discussed the contents of their will with others or a draft of a will is found? This would suggest that the testator intended to create a will, which the court may consider evidence.
It is important to note that the probate process can be complex. It is often advisable to consult with an attorney who specializes in probate law. The laws and procedures of your state will distribute the deceased person’s property according to their wishes. These laws and procedures are in place to guarantee proper distribution. If a valid will can be found, or according to the laws of intestacy, if a will cannot be found.
In Summary
Realizing that a will is damaged or destroyed can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. However, you have options for probating a damaged or destroyed will. It’s important to take action as soon as possible either through probate, or contacting a probate attorney.
How to Make Certain Your Own Will is Found When Needed
It’s also crucial to regularly review and update your will, and to store it in safe and secure places. Registering your will with the U.S. Will Registry is free and gives assurance that your family will be able to locate it when needed.
In addition to registering your will, be sure to store your will with SideDrawer.com. Sidedrawer.com is a secure iCloud service that allows you to store your estate documents for free. By taking these steps, you can ensure that your loved one’s final wishes are carried out and that your assets are distributed according to your wishes.
