Wills Storage
Sanjiv Sachdeva explains how and where to store your Will.
Keep Your Will Safe – and Findable
Once you have made your Will, it is incredibly important that you keep it safe. If it is lost, damaged or destroyed, your Will becomes invalid and you will die intestate.
At Will Power, we can advise you on the best way to store your Will and we can store it for you in a secure vault.
Why Will Storage Matters?
Your Will is an important legal document. It contains essential information about how your assets should be distributed after your death.
That means you need to take steps to ensure it is stored carefully and securely, and that it can be found and implemented when the time comes.
In the UK, there is no law dictating where the original copy of your Will must be stored. However, we strongly advise that you take one of the options below.
The most important consideration is that, whatever you decide to do, you let your family and executors know where to find the original signed Will.
It will need to be produced, and in good condition, after you die so that its contents can be followed, and your wishes honoured.
The more care you take of it, the less likely it is that the Will can be damaged, lost, stolen or altered.
Where You Can Store Your Will
There are four places where you might decide to store your Will and keep it safe.
- At Home: You may have a safe where you want to keep your Will. Make sure it is fireproof and waterproof, because any damage to the document could render it invalid. And make sure someone else knows the combination.
- With an Executor: If you do this, it ensures that the person responsible for ensuring your intentions are carried out has the Will in their possession. But they must keep it secure and free from damage.
- With Will Power: If you store your Will with us, it is covered by our £2million professional indemnity insurance. It is also kept in a secure storage vault. This facility is climate controlled to preserve your documents in good condition. Our vaults are protected by robust security systems, and you can store other documents there such as Lasting Powers of Attorney.
- With the bank: You could keep your Will at the bank in a safety deposit box. However, if that box is in your name alone, your bank will not be able to open it until Probate is granted – and that cannot happen without the Will.
Please also note that you should not attach any other documents to your Will. Staples or paper clips could suggest the Will is missing a section, which may cause problems for your executors.
The Cost of Storing a Will
At Will Power, we will store your Will for life in return for a one-off fee. Costs elsewhere can vary; if you decide to store your Will with a solicitor or a bank, make sure you understand how much you will have to pay to keep your documents safe.
Ask Us How We Can Help You
If you work with Will Power to draw up your Will, we offer a package that includes storage and professional help. Using our aftercare option means you can make as many changes as you wish without repeat fees.
To find out more about any aspect of Wills and Will storage, please get in touch with our friendly and knowledgeable team.
