Creating a will is crucial for ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes after your passing. However, the process doesn’t end with drafting and signing the document. Safely storing your will is equally important to guarantee that it is accessible and remains in good condition. This article provides practical tips on how to store your will securely. You want to store your will in a place safe from disasters like fire or flood and secure from thieves or snoops.

However, if the storage space is so secure that it becomes inaccessible, it defeats the purpose of having a will. If no one can find or access it, your wishes won’t be known, and intestate succession laws will dictate what happens to your property and money. When considering the best place to store your will, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. You need to weigh various factors to find the best option for your situation. Consulting a professional service, such as will writing service Manchester, can provide personalised advice and ensure that your will is both secure and accessible when needed. Proper storage is a key aspect of effective estate planning, ensuring your wishes are honoured and legal complications are minimised.

At Home

Many people don’t realise that one of the best options is the simplest: keep your will at home. This doesn’t mean shoving it in a drawer or using it as emergency kitty litter. It means storing it in a safe, secure location. A fireproof and waterproof lock box is an excellent choice. Some attorneys, surprisingly, suggest placing the will in a heavy-duty freezer bag and storing it in a deep freezer.

The rationale is that a deep freezer, or even your refrigerator, can survive various catastrophes, including most natural disasters. The main benefit of storing your will at home is easy access. If you need to amend your will or replace it entirely with a new version, you can easily discard the outdated one. Moreover, the person you name as the executor of your estate will be able to access it without much trouble. This convenience ensures that your will is readily available when needed, minimising delays in executing your final wishes.

In the Cloud

Depending on your age, the “cloud” either fascinates or terrifies you. In an earlier version of this discussion, storing your will in the cloud seemed like an unattractive option. However, as time goes by and encryption and safeguards improve, the cloud is becoming a viable option. Modern cloud storage services offer robust security features that protect sensitive documents from unauthorised access.

Storing your will in the cloud allows for easy access from virtually anywhere, provided you have the necessary permissions and access credentials. This can be particularly useful if you frequently update your will or if you want to share it with your executor remotely. Ensure you choose a reputable cloud service with strong encryption and backup features to protect your document from loss or hacking.

With Your Attorney

Storing your will with your attorney was once a very popular option, and some older practitioners still prefer to hold on to their clients’ wills. This method offers significant security advantages. If someone who stands to gain from your will’s disappearance suspects they have been disinherited, they wouldn’t have access to it if it’s held by your attorney. However, the world has changed.

People are more mobile than ever before, often moving between towns, states, or even countries throughout their lives. This mobility makes storing your will with your attorney less practical. If you relocate far from your attorney’s office, accessing your will can become cumbersome. Additionally, if your attorney retires or their practice closes, retrieving your will could pose challenges.

Storing a Will With Your Executor

Another effective option for storing your will is to entrust it to your executor. This method provides peace of mind, knowing that your will is in the hands of someone you trust. However, you should evaluate whether your executor’s home is a more suitable storage location than your own. One significant advantage of this approach is that your executor will have quick and easy access to your will when it is time to submit it to the probate court.

This immediacy can help expedite the probate process, ensuring that your estate is settled efficiently and according to your wishes. Furthermore, if your executor uses the same security measures as you do, such as a lockbox or safe, the will remains as secure as it would be in your own home.

Using Online Document Storage to Store Your Will

A newer, increasingly popular option is to use an online storage service for your will. Numerous online document storage services can securely store electronic versions of your important documents, offering a modern alternative to traditional storage methods. However, this option may not be ideal in all states due to varying legal requirements. One of the primary benefits of storing your will online is that an electronic copy cannot be damaged by physical threats such as floods or fires.

This digital resilience ensures that your document remains intact regardless of environmental conditions. Additionally, online storage makes your will easy to access, provided you remember your password. This convenience allows you to update your document as needed without the hassle of physical retrieval. Some online services offer the added benefit of alerting your loved ones about the location of your documents after your death. This feature can be particularly useful in ensuring that your executor and family members can promptly locate and access your will. 

Conclusion

Selecting the right storage method for your will is a crucial aspect of estate planning. Whether you choose to store your will with your executor or use an online document storage service, each option offers distinct benefits and considerations. Storing your will with your executor ensures quick access and security, provided they have robust safeguarding measures.

On the other hand, online storage offers protection against physical damage and easy access, though it requires careful consideration of legal requirements and cybersecurity. By evaluating these options, you can ensure that your will remains accessible and secure, facilitating the smooth execution of your final wishes. Visit coolcoder for more interesting articles.