Probate is the process of administering a person’s estate. A major part of this process is simply reading the will, taking inventory of assets, and distributing them to the intended beneficiaries.
Many people believe that this process begins with a will reading, where beneficiaries gather and the lawyer reads the will so that they understand what the deceased wanted and what they should expect as an inheritance. This is a very common scene in popular movies and TV shows, and it may show up in novels and other types of media. But does this type of reading still happen today?
It is not a legal requirement
No, in the vast majority of cases, there will not be an official will reading. It is not a legal requirement, and the logistics of coordinating this type of meeting can prove very difficult.
The reason it used to be common is that many people were illiterate, so it was impossible for them to read the documentation. It was also difficult to make copies or transfer files, especially long before the implementation of digital services. So the easiest way to ensure that everyone actually understood what was in the will was to have one person read it to them.
Today, though, beneficiaries are simply entitled to a copy of the paperwork. They should still get to read the estate plan, which may tell them what their inheritance will look like, but they do not need to have a meeting with other family members where a lawyer reads it to them.
Navigating the probate process
Once probate is underway, it is crucial that all involved understand exactly what legal steps to take. At this point, it can be very helpful to work with an experienced law firm.
