2006-09-01 07:32:22 · 18 answers · asked by Happy. 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
If a lawyer drew up the will they get in touch with surviving family members...It is possible to draw up a will without legal counsel. However, someone always has to know a will was drawn up, it needs to be notarized by a witness to make it a legally binding document. This person is responsible for making it known to the family if a death should occur.
2006-09-01 08:40:31 · answer #1 · answered by Country Girl for Life 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all a smart person would deal with a lawyer when making a will. None of that do it yourself stuff. Also the purpose of having a will made in my opinion is to be able to leave loved ones an inheritance. If you go through the trouble of making the will I don't see why you would'nt want anyone to know. Usually the person who helped you with your documents would let family members know about the will. If you want this kept secret then this tells me you don't trust anyone. People who leave wills usually trusts someone, and wants someone to benefit when they pass on.
2006-09-01 07:43:16 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
For a will to be legally enforceable, your signature has to be witnessed by two independent witnesses. So they would know. You are also required to nominate one or more people to carry out the provisions of your will these are called executors, The will then has to be registered. Although you can do this yourself or indeed not bother, there may be trouble getting probate, so the correct procedure should be used.
2006-09-01 07:47:26 · answer #3 · answered by charlietooo 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's the responsibility of the Estate Director (usually close relative)... make sure that person isn't a blood-sucking gold-digger though or the whole family will implode under the emotional chaos caused by that person's decisions bent on greed and ignorance.
2006-09-01 07:44:18 · answer #4 · answered by rjakjr 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If they got a lawyer to write the will, he will only tell you who the executor is. You could try checking with any family lawyers, his / her banks / doctors / best friends. Chances are he / she (if a will was made) has lodged a copy with at least one of these.
If no will made, in teste applies. Register your interest with whoever is managing the estate. You will only get a look in if you are a direct blood relative.
Best of all, consult your own lawyer.
2006-09-01 07:43:07 · answer #5 · answered by Alzebub 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've wondered about that myself. I have mine in my fire-proof safe, an obvious location but I suppose not everyone is thinking about putting somewhere that it can be found easily---i.e. putting it in a book or folder.
I suppose if you are at death's door a few maps here and there to where the "treasure" is located might help. (tongue-in-cheek remark). Really, the best thing is just to tell as many people as possible or just have the named executor hold onto it.
2006-09-01 07:44:59 · answer #6 · answered by Miss Sierra Sun 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In order for a will to be a legal and binding document it has to be drawn up by a lawyer so somoene would know about it.
2006-09-01 07:56:07 · answer #7 · answered by nothingcreativecametomind 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The lawyer that drew up the will, they get in touch with the family after the person dies.
2006-09-01 07:36:43 · answer #8 · answered by Steffy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You cannot make a will without witnesses and also have to nominate trustees who are responsible for carrying out your wishes.
2006-09-01 07:40:37 · answer #9 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If a laywer did the will for the family member he will have the records in his office.
2006-09-01 07:38:49 · answer #10 · answered by heartforhelping 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋