Submitted by Grett on Wed, 06/15/2011 - 08:25
I guess I'm just thinking of the movies but I'm wondering why when my aunt recently died there was no reading of the will. Is it required anymore under MA law? I ask because my aunt always said that she was going to leave some jewelry to me but so far I have heard nothing about that from the executor, who I don't really know that well (so I don't want to ask him about it). It just seems like getting everyone in the same room and reading the will would clear up a lot of questions. Thanks.
Reading of will under MA law
Yes, you're correct. The reading of the will usually only happens in the movies nowadays, and there is no Massachusetts law that requires the will to be read. In the old days, before we had self-proving wills (where the testator signs the document in front of a notary public), attorneys might gather all the potential heirs in his office to try to get their assent to the will and avoid any disputes about whether it really was "Uncle Edward's" will. All of your aunt's heirs will still be notified when the probate process begins. The will must be delivered to the probate court, at which point it becomes a public document. Then, if you wish, you can see a copy of the will. Sorry about your aunt.