Who is supposed to be present when a will is read?

Answer 1

Reading of the Will, is usually taken care of by the executor of the state, also sometimes known as the administrator. An actual "Reading of the Will", is usually not done as one would see on television. The executor, in most states, must file with the probate court in the county of the deceased. The executor is responsible for gathering the assets, notifying creditors, and potential creditors through an ad placed in the newspaper of the county of the deceased. He/she is also responsible for contacting any named beneficiaries in the will. Once all assets and claims against the estate are satisfied, the remaining estate can be distributed to beneficiaries named in the will. The county courts are normally there to oversee that the terms of the will are carried out. Once the will has been submitted to the probate court, it becomes public information. Once can request to see this by going to the courthouse which handles probate in the deceased persons county of residence. There may be a small fee for the retrieval of this record.

Answer 2

Unless your particular state has a statute addressing this, I am not familiar with any requirement for attendance. It seems logical that all persons named in the will should probably be present (if they can be found) and any other immediate family members that wish to attend. When the will is officially probated by the court ALL persons named in the will be sent notification by the court.

Answer 3

No one has to read the will. The executor makes sure the will is followed and the court will validate it.