Where Should You Store Your Will?
Congratulations on taking the necessary steps to create your estate plan! Now that you have your executed estate planning documents in hand, you may be wondering, “what’s a good way to store my original documents to keep them safe and accessible?”
We have heard of many unique document storage places, including burying them in a box in the backyard and placing them in a Ziploc bag in the freezer – neither of which we recommend.
Unsure where to keep estate planning documents or have other estate planning questions? Reach out to the skilled team at HKH Elder Law by giving us a call at (727) 240-2350 or contact us online for a free consultation.
The Disadvantages of Hiding Your Will
Generally speaking, we do not suggest that you “hide” your Last Will and Testament because if your Will cannot be located after your death, and it was known to have been in your possession, there is a legal presumption under Florida law that you revoked it by intentionally destroying it.
In most cases, this would counteract the efforts of making your Will in the first place! Fortunately, this is a presumption that can be “argued” in court, so if this circumstance arises not all hope is lost – but it is a headache that can and should be avoided.
Safe Deposit Box
Many people, especially those who wish to keep their personal affairs private, are quick to place their original documents in a safe deposit box at their bank. If you decide to go this route, there are some important things to note.
Having a trusted family member, friend, or agent on the safe deposit box with you as a joint owner may be a great option – because when you die, the joint owner will still have access to the box. However, a safe deposit box may not be the best option if it’s in your name alone because upon your death court involvement will be necessary before someone can gain access.
It is also important to know that some banks may require the agent under your Power of Attorney to produce the original document in order for him or her to access your safe deposit box. If the original document is stored inside the box, this can present quite a roadblock!
Our Recommendation
We often recommend keeping your estate planning documents in a fire and water-proof box or safe in your home.
That said, it is important for you to let your agents know:
- Where the box or safe is located
- And how to access it and what the combination is
This information allows your agent to retrieve the documents when the appropriate time comes. If you are comfortable with your named agents knowing your estate planning wishes, another option is to provide your originals to your primary agent for safekeeping.
We always encourage our clients to be a blessing and not a burden to their loved ones and an easy way to do this is to make sure your estate planning documents are safe and accessible.
If you require assistance with any part of your estate plan, don’t hesitate to reach out to a lawyer from HKH Elder Law for help. Call us at (727) 240-2350 or contact us online to learn more.
By: Alana D. Horner