How do you find out What is in a will and if probate has cleared?

Answer 1

Once a probate has been filed in the court of jurisdiction it becomes a public record. You need to check the index at the probate court where the decedent last lived to see if a probate has been filed. Many probate offices are computerized. You should try calling first to see if a clerk will check the name in the computer index for you.

Answer 2

You could check the owner's name in the local probate index to see if a probate file has been opened. If you find a file under their name you can request that file and read through it. Once a probate has been filed it becomes a public record.

Answer 3

Normally a will is probated in the administrative unit where the deceased had his or her last residence. So if the deceased lived in Podunk, Iowa, the will should have been probated in Podunk, Iowa. It should not matter if the deceased actually died at M D Anderson Cancer Institute in Houston, Texas. The will still should still have been probated in Podunk.

You should check the clerk of court in Podunk. If you get an answer of no, it would not hurt to contact Texas. (Actually I think in both cases the clerk of the court is under the county.) Still, if you have the correct name, the clerk of the court can tell you if the will has been probated or is under probate. That is public record.

Answer 4

Visit the probate court where the decedent resided and check for their name in the files. If you find a case listed under their name you can request it and review the file.

Answer 5

You can visit or contact the probate court where the decedent lived to see if a petition for probate has been filed.

Answer 6

This depends on state law. Generally, go to the county where the deceased lived at the time of their death and ask the clerk. In most cases, the contents of the file are public record.