Whether or not a will is "read" to the heirs and beneficiariesvaries by the custom of the country and state. Here in the UnitedStates, the custom of getting everyone together and reading thewill to them is no longer followed (unless the Decedent placedspecial instructions in the will for this to be done.) Although,sometimes the attorney for the executor will meet with the familyand describe the probate process and the will.What is important, at least in California, is that the holder ofthe original will lodge it with the court within 30 days of thedate of death. (Lodge means to file with the court, but withoutstarting an action.) This protects the will from loss. Failure todo this step can result in damages assessed against the holder ofthe original will (if, for example, an heir losses out on his orher inheritance.)For more information and probate, estate. and wills, take a lookat the offerings in your local law library. Or, check you localcounty bar association for a lawyer referral service or with alocal probate attorney.