There are a few schools of thought on this subject. Some people believe that it is best to keep the Will in a lock box or safe at home. Others believe that it is best to store the Will with an attorney. And still others believe that it is best to store the Will with the probate court.
We will explore each of these options and their pros and cons so that you can make an informed decision about what is best for you and your family.
Video: Where Should A Last Will And Testament Be Stored?
Storing Your Will At Home
If you choose to store your Will at home, there are a few things you need to do to ensure that it is properly protected. First, you need to make sure that the Will is stored in a fireproof and waterproof container. Second, you need to make sure that the Will is stored in a safe place where it will not be damaged or lost.
Advantages of storing your Will at home
- One of the advantages of storing your Will at home is that you can change it at any time. If you need to make a change to your Will, you can simply take the Will out of the fireproof and waterproof container, make the changes, and then put it back in the container.
- Another advantage of storing your Will at home is that you do not have to worry about anyone else having access to it. If you store your Will with an attorney or with the probate court, there is always the possibility that someone could break into the office and steal the Will.
Disadvantages of storing your Will at home
However, there are also some disadvantages to storing your Will at home.
- One of the biggest disadvantages is that if something happens to you and your family needs to access the Will, they may not be able to find it. If the Will is not properly stored, it could be damaged or lost.
- Another disadvantage of storing your Will at home is that if you move, you will need to remember to take the Will with you. If you forget to take the Will with you when you move, your family may have a difficult time finding it.
Storing Your Will With An Attorney
If you choose to store your Will with an attorney, there are a few things you need to do to ensure that it is properly protected.
- First, you need to make sure that the attorney has a fireproof and waterproof safe.
- Second, you need to make sure that the Will is stored in a safe place where it will not be damaged or lost.
Advantages of storing your Will with an attorney
- One of the advantages of storing your Will with an attorney is that the attorney can keep the Will in his or her office. This means that if something happens to you and your family needs to access the Will, they will be able to find it right away.
- Another advantage of storing your Will with an attorney is that the attorney can keep the Will up-to-date. If you need to make a change to your Will, you can simply contact the attorney and have the changes made.
Disadvantages of storing your Will with an attorney
However, there are also some disadvantages to storing your Will with an attorney.
- One of the biggest disadvantages is that it can be expensive. Most attorneys charge a fee for storing a Will.
- Another disadvantage of storing your Will with an attorney is that if you move, you will need to remember to contact the attorney and have the Will forwarded to your new address. If you forget to do this, your family may have a difficult time finding the Will.
Storing Your Will With The Probate Court
If you choose to store your Will with the probate court, there are a few things you need to do to ensure that it is properly protected.
- First, you need to make sure that the court has a fireproof and waterproof safe.
- Second, you need to make sure that the Will is stored in a safe place where it will not be damaged or lost.
Advantages of storing your Will with the probate court
- One of the advantages of storing your Will with the probate court is that the court can keep the Will on file. This means that if something happens to you and your family needs to access the Will, they will be able to find it right away.
- Another advantage of storing your Will with the probate court is that the court can keep the Will up-to-date. If you need to make a change to your Will, you can simply contact the court and have the changes made.
Disadvantages of storing your Will with the probate court
However, there are also some disadvantages to storing your Will with the probate court.
- One of the biggest disadvantages is that it can be expensive. Most courts charge a fee for storing a Will.
- Another disadvantage of storing your Will with the probate court is that if you move, you will need to remember to contact the court and have the Will forwarded to your new address. If you forget to do this, your family may have a difficult time finding the Will.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are both advantages and disadvantages to storing your Will at home, with an attorney, or with the probate court. It is important to weigh all of the factors before deciding where to store your own Will. You should also talk to an attorney or financial advisor to get their opinion on where you should store your Will.
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