Getting a copy of will

[Jonesy]

Approximatley, how long does it take for one's will to be on record at the county courthouse? Also, how long do they remain on record?

 

[advisor10]

Answer To Your Question

12-12-2000

There is NO TIME LIMIT for someone's will to be put on file (called "probated) at the county courthouse. If the decedent's estate was relatively simple (only a checking/savings account, etc. with little or no debts) then it is usually filed within 1-6 months of the date of death.

If the person had a more complicated estate (stocks, bonds, a home to be sold, etc.) it can take the estate executor anywhere from 6 months to a year to do all the paperwork (pay the debts, get property deeds, etc.). But usually if the estate executor wants to get paid and for the beneficiaries to be paid, they usually try to get the will probated as soon as possible.

All you can do is to keep checking on monthly basis at the county courthouse to see if it has come in, or if you know the estate executor, ask them by mail to send you a copy of the will or at least tell you how much you think you are entitled to receive if you are a beneficiary.

It is kept on file forever at the courthouse at least 10-20 years or more since it is a public record that they can dispose of whenever they think the time is right.

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