When someone passes away, their estate has to go through probate. The estate administration process is generally handled by the estate executor. Ideally, someone has written an estate plan and deliberately chosen an executor who understands the responsibilities of the role.
There may be many different beneficiaries listed in that estate plan, and they all need to find out what they have inherited. Will they meet as a group for a will reading, where the estate executor reads the document to them and informs them of their inheritance?
Copies of the will can be distributed
Generally, the answer is no. Will readings are an outdated part of the estate administration process. They were necessary in the past because many people were illiterate and needed to have the will read to them, but this is no longer the case. Instead, those who are listed in the estate plan can simply receive a copy of the documents.
The estate administrator’s role is still very important. They must first review the plan and then inventory the existing assets to see whether they match what has been listed. They must settle any debts or financial obligations. They then go through the process of distributing the assets to the correct beneficiaries. Much of this can be done remotely, though, and it is not necessary for anyone to gather for a will reading.
The probate process
If you are the estate administrator or a beneficiary whose family is going through the probate process, it is critical that you know all of your legal rights, especially if disputes or conflicts arise.