Copies Of Wills

Prove the original Will's contents by having witness testimony from someone who read or heard the contents Will. With a Copy of the Will, the witness will testify that he or she recognizes the copy of the Will to be just that.

If only a copy of the will is available, the Court will accept it provided that notice was given to all intestate heirs (relatives who would inherit in the absence of a will) and no one challenges it.

A copy of a will may be admissible in court if the original has been destroyed by a fire or flood or if the original has been unintentionally lost by the testator. If the original will was purposely destroyed or thrown out by the testator because he or she wanted to revoke that will, the copy is not valid.

Be at least 18 years old and of a sound mind that is, not judged incapacitated by a court. (Tex. Est. Not have been convicted of a felony under any state or federal law, unless he or she has been pardoned or had all civil rights restored. (Tex. Not have a conflict of interest or be otherwise unsuitable. (Tex. Est.

1Determine Your Priority for Appointment.2Receive Written Waivers From Other Candidates.3Contact Court in the County Where Deceased Resided.4File the Petition for Administration.5Attend the Probate Hearing.6Secure a Probate Bond.

The Texas Probate Code does allow for a copy of the original will to be probated in the case of a lost will, but this is a difficult and expensive process. There is a presump- tion that the testator (the person who wrote the will) revoked it. Thus, a judge may not always admit a lost will to probate.

In Texas, state and local court rules govern the various time periods that the executor must follow in probating a will. The general rule in Texas is that the executor has four years from the date of death of the testator (person who drafted the will) to file for probate.

Are 18 years of age or older, have been lawfully married, or. are a member of the armed forces of the United States.