Should the Probate of Harold Simmons' Will Be Secret?

Harold Simmons, remembered as a corporate raider, major philanthropist and the swift-boater of John Kerry, was familiar with trusts – two he established for his daughters led to a bitter legal dispute. If Simmons had wanted the estate privacy afforded by a revocable trust, presumably he would have used one in his estate planning. He didn't, but his widow seems to wish he had. She has asked that his will and probate records be sealed.

Wills go on public record for good reason, as explained here. In today's hearing, the probate judge seemed willing to redact some details but indicated that Simmons' will would be made public.