Public Administrator

How should my original estate planning documents be secured?

Individuals should keep their original estate planning documents, including their Original Will, in a secure and accessible location.  If you choose to store your Will in a safe deposit box, make sure that a trusted person is authorized and able to access that box, or at a minimum has a copy of the Will and knows where the original is kept.  If no one else is authorized to access the safe deposit box, a Court Order will be required to open it.   

                 

Additional helpful tips:   

• Keep a clearly labeled folder with copies of your documents in an easy-to-find place.
• Review your storage arrangements periodically, especially after major life events, to ensure everything is still accessible.
• Avoid placing your Original Will somewhere overly restrictive or difficult for others to access in an emergency.