7 storage options for your will

Once your will is finalized, you need to decide where to store it. Generally, there is no legal requirement regarding where to store it. All that is required is that the right people know it exists after you pass so they can submit it to probate. With that said, here are some storage options for your will. 

1. Somewhere in your home, like a home safe

You can store your will in your house in a safe, filing cabinet or other secure location. 

• Advantages: You have easy access to it, it’s relatively inexpensive, and you can easily instruct loved ones on where to find it. 
• Disadvantages: There are risks like fires or floods or your loved ones not being able to find it.

2. With your attorney

This was fairly common, but nowadays, attorneys tend to decline to store clients’ wills due to the liability they take on if it is lost or damaged. However, if your attorney may still be willing to do this.

• Advantages: They may have strong security storage practices and will know what to do when you pass away. 
• Disadvantages: The potential fees a firm may charge and it may not be ideal for long-term in case the firm closes down. 

3. With your will executor 

A will executor is someone who you appoint to be in charge of making sure your will instructions are followed after you pass. 

• Advantages: Storing with an executor is that when you pass, your executor will have easy access to the will to get the probate process started. 
• Disadvantages: They may be unorganized, experience damage, loss, or theft in their home, and/or if they die, retrieving it from their home can be stressful. 

4. In a safe deposit box at a bank or other location

One of the best places to store a will is in a formal safe deposit box, such as at a bank. However, many banks no longer offer this option, so make sure to check.

• Advantages: Safe deposit boxes typically have the highest level of security and storage for protection against theft, loss, and damage.
• Disadvantages: You will likely have to pay fees to keep your will stored in a safe deposit box. You will also need to make sure your loved ones know where the will is located. 

5. Filing it with the court 

In some states, you may be able to file your will with the probate court.  

• Advantages: This can also be another great option because probate courts will know exactly what to do when your loved ones start the probate process. 
• Disadvantages: You must re-file each version of the will if you update it. Also, the will may go on public record, and each version of the will may be available to the public.

6. Keeping a digital copy 

Only 13 states allow for e-wills (Colorado, Idaho, North Dakota, Utah, Washington, District of Columbia, Minnesota, Arizona, Florida, Indiana, Nevada, Illinois, and Maryland). If you’re not in one of those states, then you’ll still need to keep an original physical copy of the will. 

• Advantages: Digital wills are obviously very easy to access, and you can never damage them. 
• Disadvantages: Digital copies are not legitimate in some states, you’ll still need the original signed copy. There are also security and privacy breach risks when held digitally. 

7. At one of the will beneficiary’s houses

Giving a copy or the original will to one of the will’s beneficiaries can be one option to utilize for will storage. 

• Advantages: This provides easy access for the beneficiaries to submit to the executor/probate court.
• Disadvantages: If the beneficiary dies or is unorganized, then it may be difficult or impossible for the executor or other people to locate the will once you pass. 

Best practices for secure will storage

Regardless of which location you choose to store your will, whether it’s a safe deposit box, at home, or somewhere else, there are certain steps you can take to ensure that your will is safe and sound and will be executed upon your passing. Here are some tips for the best possible will storage practices: 

• Inform people: Tell the people that matter where your will is. That should be both the executor and possibly even the beneficiaries, if that makes sense. Tell them exactly where the will is and how they can access it (passwords, etc.). You can also tell friends, neighbors, or anyone close to you about it, just in case. 
• Create copies: Even though a court generally wants to see an original of the will, storing copies in multiple different locations can be a great way to mitigate certain risks, like loss and damage.
• Share copies: Not only should you inform people and make copies for yourself, but you should also consider creating copies and sharing them with several people. Executors, beneficiaries, and even non-interested people, like a close friend or neighbor. It can never hurt to have back ups!
• Regularly review and update: Life changes. Things happen. Make sure you frequently review your will to ensure it still reflects your wishes. When you update, if beneficiaries or executors or the location of the will changes, make sure to update your loved ones as well. 

The bottom line is to tell people about your will and store it somewhere that makes sense for you! 

At the end of the day, it doesn’t really matter where your will is as long as someone knows where it is so they can retrieve it and give it to the right people once you pass. Whether you inform the executor of your will, the beneficiaries, or a random person in your community, this step is crucial to secure will storage. On top of that, you’ll need to consider factors such as cost, risk of loss/damage, and privacy concerns to determine where to physically keep it. Do what makes sense for you!