Declaration of Authenticity of Copy of Lost Will When Original Will is Lost - Lost Will

The best evidence of the contents of a lost or destroyed will is a copy or draft of the will that is clearly and satisfactorily identified, if it can be obtained, and ordinarily this is sufficient. For example, an Arkansas court held that a finding that a photocopy was a copy of a lost or destroyed will should be sustained in view of the fact that the testimony of the attesting witnesses and the attorney as to how, when, and where will was signed was not in conflict.

This form is a generic example that may be referred to when preparing such a form for your particular state. It is for illustrative purposes only. Local laws should be consulted to determine any specific requirements for such a form in a particular jurisdiction.