Whether a family member is listed in the will or not, it is good for a person making a will to compile a list of family members, in a sort of a “family tree.” Some states require notification of certain family members upon filing a will with probate. Other states have laws that require a portion of an estate to go to certain family members (like minor children) even if those family members are not listed in the will. For some, making a list of family member names and contact information will be easy, and for others it may be hard.

You should offer to help the will maker prepare this list. It may even result in the opportunity to learn great stories from the will maker’s past.