The original Last Will and Testament is always best, but my state has a provision that you can Petition the probate court to allow a copy of the Will if you can show good cause why. One way is to provide signed affidavits of the witnesses who witnessed the Testator sign the Will. That requires that you can locate them and they are still alive.
Has he given you permission to read it? Is his level of cognition such that he can really understand what you are asking?
Can you check with his lawyer concerning whether the original is in the law office?
Copying it and even knowing what is in it won't really help if the original or a certified copy is lost at the time of death. Making sure the lawyer has it or putting it in your safe deposit box (without reading it) would be a better precaution, in my opinion.
Do you have siblings? Whatever you do, do it in a way that won't antagonize them or seem sneaky. Family relationships are too valuable to risk when it isn't necessary.
The attorney who prepared the will should have given him the option of taking the original or leaving it with him/her, for safekeeping in the firm's vault. Your father also should have received a conformed copy.
I have mixed feelings about reading someone's will. If you're the only heir and he's told you that, and if he told you that you're the Personal Representative named in the Will, then I think it's appropriate to read it and clarify any issues of concern or confusion, and to ensure that you understand what he wants and are as prepared as possible.
If you have siblings who have powers of attorney and/or are named as the PRs, I not quite so confident of the appropriateness. I think it depends on the family dynamics.
Can you check with his lawyer concerning whether the original is in the law office?
Copying it and even knowing what is in it won't really help if the original or a certified copy is lost at the time of death. Making sure the lawyer has it or putting it in your safe deposit box (without reading it) would be a better precaution, in my opinion.
Do you have siblings? Whatever you do, do it in a way that won't antagonize them or seem sneaky. Family relationships are too valuable to risk when it isn't necessary.
I have mixed feelings about reading someone's will. If you're the only heir and he's told you that, and if he told you that you're the Personal Representative named in the Will, then I think it's appropriate to read it and clarify any issues of concern or confusion, and to ensure that you understand what he wants and are as prepared as possible.
If you have siblings who have powers of attorney and/or are named as the PRs, I not quite so confident of the appropriateness. I think it depends on the family dynamics.