How to confirm what's in the will?

[Simona]

What is the name of your state? CA

How can we confirm that we're getting what we're supposed to?
My mother's friend passed away and soon thereafter his brother called to tell her that she's in his will. (She speaks very little English.) The brother first said that he will call her to invite her to the reading of the will, but then a few months later (today) a $2000 check arrived in the mail from the brother's account with a letter stating smething like this:

Deceased Name Trust. This gift to you is specified in his TRUST. Lillian *** and I are the designated trustees for the trust and are glad to carry out this duty for our dear departed brother. Etc...
Please sign the receipt and return in the enclosed envelope within two days of receipt.

Enclosed was also a copy of an online article regarding taxes on gifts.
We need to know if that's truly what was in his Will. How can we find out? Who do we contact? The deceased lived in Garden Grove, CA and the brother in Costa Mesa, CA.

thanks,
Simona

 

[hexeliebe]

You contact the Probate court where the deceased lived and ask for a copy of the will. There will be a fee for copying and mailing.

 

[Simona]

What if will is not recorded with the court?

What if the will is not recorded at the country probate court?
How can I go about finding out who the deceased's lawyer was?
Do we have the right as a beneficiary to ask to see the entire Trust/Will?

BTW, Thank you for your quick reply.

 

[Dandy Don]

If the will is not recorded, there is nothing you can do since there is no will to be recorded unless you can prove that there was one that they are deliberately withholding.

Why would you want to know who the decedent's lawyer was? Since the other parties won't tell you you could place a small ad in the classifieds section.

Yes you have the right as beneficiary to see the entire trust.