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I do have "copies" but not the original. Am I in a mess? Worried that it could affect other beneficiaries too. We are in the state of Washington.

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Thank you All for your responses! The Will has been found. Our lawyer has the "Original" Will signed by my Mom. I have a "copy of the original" and one stamped "copy" too. I guess I had asked her to keep the "Original" for me when I met with her following the loss of my mom.

I find much strength in all of your responses and in the Questions others post too. This site is where I turn when I have a question or a concern. I hope I can also provide help to others as I am beginning to understand my position and so many other things we need to be aware of when acting as POA etc.... with much more clarity.
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Reply to Shellann
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Daughterof1930 Dec 22, 2025
So glad the will was located, that has to be a huge relief. Appreciate you letting us know of your success. Definitely stick around, you’ve earned hard won knowledge that can help others. Merry Christmas!
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You will need an original signed and executed document, a copy is worthless.
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Reply to LakeErie
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Some states require the original, like Arizona, and without it you are SOL. Happened to my cousins and we thought we had looked everywhere, in every container. They had to move forward without it and 2 years later found it in an improbable location. I would search everywhere, even places that make no sense at all, if your state requires the original.
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Reply to ShirleyDot
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Did a lawyer help to create this will? They should have another original.
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Reply to CaringWifeAZ
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1.Contact the lawyer who drew it up to see if he/she has the original. If not ask the lawyer if he can state in a court of law that the copy is the same as the original. Also ask the two witnesses if they will testify as to their signature.
2. If you are good at research, look up your state law about wills that are not original (only a copy of the original) For example if the descendent died in AZ and there is no original will and only a copy, in many cases the probate judge will not allowed it to be entered and the property passes to the next person with right of succession as if there is no will. Also, you may want to look up succession laws.
3 Because each state is different and due to the complexities of the probate law, I would advise you to consult a VERY experienced Probate attorney who has LITIGATION experience. (not a general law attorney)
You should be prepared to spend 300 to 700 an hour. It is worth it! You need to know how to protect your rights and understand your position. Even if it is only a one-time consult do it.
4. By the way if you have been named the executrix or appointed by the court that is the "golden ticket" and the legal fees can be covered by the estate. You can also charge the estate for your time.

I wish you the best.
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Reply to liz1906
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Call / contact the attorney and ask how to manage the situation.
Call the attorney who wrote it up.

Gena / Touch Matters
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Reply to TouchMatters
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You shouldn't need to find it. It will be filed with surrogate court and they'll have it.
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Reply to mommabeans
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Fawnby Dec 15, 2025
In my state, the will isn't filed anywhere until the probate process begins after the person dies. My attorney instructed me to keep the original will, and she has a copy.
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Thank you all for your advice. I will contact the lawyer as I continue my search. You did give me much needed hope!!
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Reply to Shellann
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There are two originals, one in your hands and one in the attorney office where will was written (hopefully) so I would start with contacting the attorney listed on the will. Meanwhile, KEEP LOOKING.
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Reply to AlvaDeer
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I agree to call the orignal attorney to get guidance.

It's easy to misplace important paperwork if you have a lot to manage. I got a fireproof file-sized locking safe and keep all important paperwork in one location.
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Reply to Geaton777
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The lawyer who drafted the will keeps a copy. Consult the law office for help
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Reply to Daughterof1930
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You will definitely want the original will if the estate is being probated.

That being said, will the estate need to be probated?

Is it a “small“ estate? if the will doesn’t cover a certain dollar amount of assets, then the rules are easier.

Remember that a lot of inheritances don't actually pass through a will. Jointly titled accounts. Designated beneficiaries for retirement or brokerage accounts.Real estate with Survivor rights.

Are the will’s beneficiaries different than those for decedents who didn’t have wills at all?

How litigious/contentious are the possible heirs?

For legal advice, you can rely on, consult an appropriate attorney.
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Reply to Frebrowser
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