Wills

[prytmilo]

Would changes on the copy of the original Will be acceptable? The original Will created in the '70s is unavailable due to the legal firm no longer in business. As a result we cannot retrieve the original but a copy of the original Will exists with us.

 

[dmode101]

No. Generally a copy of a will cannot be probated. If the will cannot be located it is presumed that it was revoked. Why not just do the changes within a whole new will?

 

[advisor10]

12-28-2001

DEAR PRYTMILO:

Please explain:

Are you someone who wants to make changes to your own will? If so, then the advice to have a completely new will prepared is good advice.

However, when you mentioned the term "us", I was led to believe that perhaps you may be beneficiaries of a will and are trying to get it admitted to probate court. If this is true, then you should consider placing a classified ad in the city where the law firm practiced that mentions the fact that you are looking for the will and that also mentions the name of the lawyer/law firm that prepared it (many times the owners or former employees know where the records are stored and may be able to still get access for you).