We cannot find the original will. Can a copy be used?

For this legal issue, state law may provide a procedure for proving a copy, locating a deposited will, compelling a person to produce the original, or presenting evidence about why the original cannot be found. For this legal issue, probate courts usually prefer the original signed will, but a lost or missing original does not always mean the estate must be treated as intestate. State law can materially change probate, trust, ownership, and family outcomes, so before changing title, moving assets, or taking another irreversible action, ask a local lawyer to review the documents and current court or title position.