Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Kentucky

Father dies intestate, stepmother dies - who has the right to know what's in her

My father passed away 4 years ago without a will. Everything went to his wife, including money and personal property/belongings received from settlement of his mother's estate. Stepmother recently passed away and did have a prepared will. Who has a legal right to know what's in her will? Only her children, or do the stepchildren have a legal right to be present when the will is read -- or to request a copy of the will? What happens to personal property or cash proceeds passed to father who died intestate from his mother? Do his children -- her stepchildren have any rights? What is the timing of the reading of a will?


Asked on 7/23/02, 1:18 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Philip Owens Philip M. Owens, Attorney at Law

Re: Father dies intestate, stepmother dies - who has the right to know what's in

Since you are not an heir of your stepmother, you have no rights except to the extent that she provides for you in her will. You are the same as a stranger. There is no formal "reading" of the will. The only requirement is that it be probated and at that time it becomes public record. Some families like to meet and read the will, and depending upon the situation, notices are usually sent to the heirs and beneficiaries of the probate.

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Answered on 7/23/02, 7:49 am


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