Can the executor of an estate disclose to a beneficiary what was left me before probate

Thanks for your question. Since I am an attorney but not licensed in your state of North Carolina and you are not my cient, I can only give you general information that you may find helpful.

In general, it is a common misconception that there is a formal "reading of the will." There is no such requirement in any jurisidication that I am aware of. Sometimes, a testator may ask the attorney who drafted the Will to hold a meeting with the family to review or explain the contents of the WIl. However, this is really only if the testator employed the attorney to do such a thing.


Also, once a Will has been filed for probate, it is general requirement in most states that the attorney files a "Notice of Adminstration" with a named beneficiary. Check with a local attorney, whom you trust, to find out what the local probate rules ae in North Carlonia. There is no substitute for having a attorney-client relationship with a lawyer that WORKS FOR YOU and can advise you regarding the specifics of your unique situtation.

Best of luck,

Shawn C. Newman, Esq
Attorney At Law*
Fort Lauderdale, FL
(*licensed to practice law in New Jersey, Florida, and the District of Columbia)

Normally the will is filed for probate within 30-90 days after the death. Check at the county courthouse probate court to see if it has been filed yet--if it has, you can get a copy of it there. If it has not been filed, just wait awhile. You will eventually be informed about the probate court hearing because that is a legal responsibility that the executor must fulfill. keith345@hotmail.com (Probate Researcher)

Wills are a matter of public record. Once the will has been filed you have the right to go up to the court and look at it.