Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Pennsylvania

Lawyer who drew up my will has died. Do I need to contact another lawyer


Asked on 1/04/17, 1:46 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Miriam Jacobson Retired from practice of law

Did you receive a notification from that law office? What did it say? Are your Will documents completed and signed? If you do not have the original will and any other documents prepared by that lawyer, contact her/his office to request that they send you your original documents.

If the documents are not signed, or you wish to make changes to the drafts, did the notification outline your options? You do not have to continue with that office, you may choose a new lawyer.

If the existing will documents were completed and the signed originals were kept by that lawyer who is now deceased, you should ask that the originals be sent to you and you should keep them in a safe location, but NOT in a bank safe deposit box. There is no need to contact another lawyer unless you want to make changes in the documents.

THIS RESPONSE IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE, SINCE I DO NOT HAVE ALL OF THE INFORMATION THAT WOULD BE REQUIRED, AND I DO NOT HAVE A REPRESENTATION AGREEMENT WITH YOU.

* If the answers to your question confirm that you have a valid issue or worthwhile claim, your next step should almost always be to establish a dialog with a lawyer who can provide specific advice to you. Contact a lawyer in your county or township.

* Another reason for contacting a lawyer is that it is often impossible to give a good answer in the Internet Q&A format without having more information. The unique circumstances of your situation and things that you may not have thought to mention in your question may completely change the answer. If you want to be sure that you have a complete answer to your question and an understanding of what that answer means, establish a connection with a lawyer who practices in the area of your concern.

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Answered on 1/04/17, 2:10 pm

I agree with the advice provided by Attorney Jacobson but you need to provide more details

Why do you need to contact another lawyer? Is your will still valid (i.e. fully executed) and does it say what you want it to in terms of who will receive your assets upon your death? When was the will done? Was it more than 4 years ago? If so, then I would have it reviewed by a new lawyer to make sure that it still meets your requirements. Of course, if you have had any life-changing events (marriage, birth, death, adoption, divorce or relocation) by either yourself or one of your beneficiaries, then you also may want to have your will reviewed. If the will is only in a draft, then you will have to have your will completed by another lawyer.

Did the lawyer practice alone or in an office with other lawyers? Who is in charge of the files if the lawyer was alone? Did the lawyer agree to store your will? If there are other lawyers at the firm, do they do wills? If so, one could easily complete this for you and there should not be added cost

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Answered on 1/04/17, 11:37 pm


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