The Will is filed when probate is sought. If it is never sought, then the Will is usually never filed.
Any heir at law (someone who would inherit if there was no valid Will) has the right to seek to be appointed administrator of the estate just as if there was no Will, because for all you know there may not be.
The court then has you notify all other heirs at law, such as your aunt. Then all of a sudden the person holding the Will comes in to court an says "Here it is, there is no need to appoint an administrator, name me the executor of this Will". In some states the delay in bringing the Will to court disqualifies a person from serving as Executor, and the court may name you or a friend of the judge. If your mother is still alive, then she would be the one who is the heir at law and if you are just curious, tough luck in most states.
