Spoiler: It’s Not Everyone Who Thinks They Should
We get this question more often than you’d expect: “Can my kids ask to see my will?” Or, “Can my sister demand a copy now that she knows she’s not named?”
The answer is simple: No.
Wills Are Private While You’re Living
A will has no legal power until after your death. That means no one—not your spouse, not your kids, not your best friend—has any automatic right to see or challenge it while you’re alive.
You can choose to share it if you want. But there’s no requirement.
What About After Death?
Once you pass away and your will is filed with probate court, it becomes public. At that point, anyone can request a copy. That’s one reason many people choose to use a revocable trust, which avoids court and keeps things private.
What You Should Do Now
Store your estate plan in a safe, accessible place and make sure your named executor knows how to find it. If you want someone to have a copy now, that’s your call—but it’s not their right.
