When a parent dies, their surviving children often have a challenging process ahead. They have to plan a memorial service or funeral. They also need to administer the estate of their deceased parent in many cases.
That process usually begins with locating the will of the deceased parent. The will that they leave behind could name a personal representative or executor. It may include detailed information about what each beneficiary should inherit from the estate. If a parent did not leave a will, then the estate administration process is drastically different because state statutes control the descent of their property.
Where can people look for wills to ensure they carry out the true wishes of their parents after they pass?
1. In a fireproof safe
Many people prefer to keep their wills and other critical legal documents in their own homes. A fireproof safe in the office or bedroom of the deceased parent could contain a will and other important documents, including property deeds and financial records. Locating and accessing a fireproof safe could result in surviving children gaining access to a parent’s will.
2. With the local courts
The law in Texas allows a testator to store their will with local authorities for safekeeping. Doing so reduces the likelihood of people tampering with or destroying the will. In Tarrant County, for example, surviving family members can check with the Tarrant County Clerk’s Probate Office to locate the will of a deceased parent.
3. With an estate planning attorney
The lawyers who help people craft estate plans often offer document storage services for their clients. If a parent’s personal records include information about attorneys that they have previously worked with, reaching out to those legal professionals could help family members locate a will.
Depending on the circumstances, there could be alternate locations where a person may have stored a will. Business owners might use the company safe for their critical legal documents. Individuals with safety deposit boxes at financial institutions might store their documents there.
Finding and validating a will is an important part of successful estate administration. A review of financial records and an examination of a person’s living space may lead to family members finding a will before initiating the probate process.