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Wills: How To Store And How To Change

Where To Store Your Will

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When deciding where to store your Will, balance several factors:

  • The document must be kept in a safe place.
  • It must be easy to get to by the person you choose to administer your Will (known as a Personal Representative or Executor).
  • It must not be available to anyone who would make more money if the Will didn't exist.

If you have an attorney, it is preferable to leave your original Will with him or her. 

If you don't have an attorney, or your attorney isn't willing to store your Will, put it in an envelope with the word "WILL" typed on it and then store it in a fireproof locked metal box, locked metal filing cabinet, or home safe that only someone you trust can access. Let the person with the key know that your Will is inside -- and what to do with it in the event of your death.  If the person with the key is not your Personal Representative/Executor, also let the Personal Representative/Executor know where your Will is stored and who has the key.

It is preferable not to store your Will in a safe deposit box.  Some states require safe deposit boxes to be sealed upon the holder's death.  This could cause delays in making your wishes known. 

Keep a copy of your Will in a safe place.

Let your Personal Representative/Executor know where the original is located.

List the location of the original of your Will on your Document Inventory.  

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