If you were inclined to believe Hollywood, you might think that a Will has to be read out in a Lawyer's office with all the relatives in attendance. This is not the case. Quite often the executor (who may or may not be legally trained) simply notifies the family members by mail.

The Last Will and Testement (the Will) must be filed with the County Clerk’s office, in the county where the deceased lived. After the Will is filed, it becomes a public document and can be viewed by anyone who visits this office.