copy of will

[birdbunch]

Hi,
I am in Florida. My mom passed and had a will but we cant find it. We have found copies she made but no original. She named 5 beneficiaries on all insurance policies and such but for her car and bank account she didnt. How do we file for probate if we dont have original? What will happen?
Thanks so much.

 

[advisor10]

JULY 17, 2001

DEAR BIRDBUNCH:

Was this will prepared by an attorney or not? (Usually at the end of the document, the name and address of the law firm will appear.) If it was prepared by an attorney, contact the attorney's office to see if perhaps they have the original.

Have you been through your mother's personal papers at her home to see if it might be there?

Check at her bank to see if she owned a safe deposit box there.

The life insurance policies are not considered part of the estate.

Someone in the family needs to go ahead and file at the probate court to be "personal administrator" of her estate (if no original will is found). This administrator would perform the same functions as an executor (receiving the legal authority to claim the bank accounts and the car).

As to whether a will copy would be accepted for probate, you need to post this question at the website http://www.lawguru.com where you are more likely to get an appropriate response from a Florida attorney.


SINCERELY,

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