Do I need to get the original Will?
Yes. A photocopy of the Will is not considered a legal document and ordinarily will not be honored. If you are the executor it's likely you have it stored in a safe place such as a safe deposit box. Or perhaps it's with the attorney that drafted the Will. Note that even though another attorney may have drafted the document or represented you or your family before, there is no obligation to continue use that attorney and we can certainly assist and save you time, money and anguish.
 
 
How long should it take to “settle” an estate?
It depends on the individual facts and
circumstances involved in the particular estate. With no major disputes among the beneficiaries or the need to commence a lawsuit to collect a debt owed to the decedent or to pursue a wrongful death claim, an estate where no estate tax returns are required should be wound up in less than a year after the decedent has died. With our hands-on approach, clients aren't lost in the shuffle of a large firm.
We tend to expedite to our clients satisfaction.