Finding out if I am named in a will?

[Kiddo]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? California

How can I find out if I am named in a will? My long time boyfriend (he was in California, I am in NJ) always said I was in his will. As I had him in mine & as a beneficiary on my insurance.

This year his health was bad & he asked me what I wanted him to leave for me. He would tell me who he was leaving what to and what he already gave away. I also found out he was still married - and it was the wife who called me when he died.

He didn't have any other family and I got the impression she didn't care for any of his friends.

There isn't any value except sentimental to me, but how do I know if I was named in the will. Calling the wife is not an option. Thanks

[curb1]

His wife probably ended up with everything. Definitely an awkward situation. Were the assets of any size? If this doesn't go through probate you will most likely not find out without a call to the wife.

[Kiddo]

Thanks for the answer. And yeah, he did have some considerable assets - his house, a building in San Francisco, 401K ~ so I would guess it would have to go thru probate.

Is that public info, that I can call & find out about?

[anteater]

Call the Superior Court of the county in which he resided and ask whether probate has been opened. I seem to recall that many counties in CA have some probate information online.