Wills - a written instrument whereby a person makes a disposition of his or her property to take effect after his or her death.
Testator - A person who has made a will.
Wills held for safekeeping: For a $25.00 fee, a testator may deposit a will with the court for safekeeping. The will must be in a sealed envelope, on which must be written the testator’s full name, date of birth, address, and last 4 digit of social security.
During the testator’s lifetime, the will is not a public record and may only be removed by the testator or by his/her designee. Designees must use the Authorization to Release Will held for Safekeeping (
PC 548).
After the testator’s death, a will may be deposited with the court at no charge, provided a copy of the death certificate is filed. Upon filing of a death certificate, the will becomes a public record and the court will retain the original will. Copies of the will may be obtained for $1.50 per page.