'To Kill A Mockingbird' Author Harper Lee Will Under Seal To Avoid Public Intrusion

Harper Lee's will was sealed by an Alabama judge last week to keep the author's will private even after her death.  Monroe County Probate Judge Greg Norris ordered the sealing of Lee's will to prevent the public from viewing her financial matters last week.

Tonja Carter, the author's attorney and personal representative requested the court to seal Lee's will to keep it private.  According to the lawyer, the motion was due to Lee's desire for privacy. WTVA claims that the late American novelist was known for her privacy and she wouldn't want the public to talk about her financial affairs. Lee's relatives reportedly agreed with the request to keep her will confidential as per the court filing.

"As the Court is no doubt aware, Ms. Lee highly valued her privacy," the lawyers wrote. "She did not wish for her private financial affairs to be matters of public discussion. Ms. Lee left a considerable legacy for the public in her published works; it is not the public's business what private legacy she left for the beneficiaries of her will."

A week ago, Judge Norris said that he knew that there's a risk of harassment and public intrusion for Lee's heirs, according to Yahoo.  The judge held a hearing on the motion. He claimed the Alabama-born author's relatives and next of kin have the right to examine Lee's will and other documents. However, the judge added that other than them, no one is allowed to inspect it. After the hearing, the judge ordered, "UNDER SEAL: DO NOT ALLOW PUBLIC INSPECTION" on Lee's will.

Dennis Bailey, an attorney who served as general counsel for the Alabama Press Association claimed that wills are considered as public documents when it reached the probate court.  Bailey added that Alabama judges can seal records in special cases if exposing the will could cause harm, physical intrusion, exploitation or harassment to the involved, CS Monitor reported.  This was the case on Lee's will.

Lee grew up in Monroeville in Alabama.  Her town was usually the setting for her novels, "To Kill a Mockingbird" and "Watchman." After some time, she spent most of her years in New York and was in a private assisted-living facility. She passed away in her sleep on Feb. 19 at the age of 89.  

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"To Kill a Mockingbird", Harper Lee, Harper Lee will, Harper Lee lawyer, Watchman, Harper Lee privacy

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