{"id":25415,"date":"2018-03-21T18:20:57","date_gmt":"2018-03-21T18:20:57","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/themediabeast.com\/resources\/?p=25415"},"modified":"2018-03-21T18:22:06","modified_gmt":"2018-03-21T18:22:06","slug":"handle-lost-missing-will-mortellaro-1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/themediabeast.com\/resources\/handle-lost-missing-will-mortellaro-1\/","title":{"rendered":"How to handle a lost or missing will (Mortellaro-1)"},"content":{"rendered":"

How to handle a lost or missing will <\/strong><\/p>\n

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There are unique and challenging situations when an individual will pass away and the will is missing or has been lost. It\u2019s important to understand your options if you can\u2019t find a will.<\/p>\n

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As with many legal questions, the outcome of a missing will all depends on the circumstances. If the original will has been lost or destroyed in a fire or other natural incident, sometimes a court will accept a photocopy of the legal document. This might involve other heirs agreeing to the legitimacy of the will and ensuring all parties are in agreement of the submission of a photocopy.<\/p>\n

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If a will is fully destroyed or lost, with no additional copies, a judge will refer to Florida\u2019s intestate laws that dictate how an individual\u2019s property is distributed if there is no will filed. This often involves going through the probate process.<\/p>\n

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In Florida, there are a variety of statues that outline how to distribute property without a will, including:<\/p>\n

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