If you have had your will written by someone else, you might not even have a copy. However, it is well worth asking the company who did the writing for you to forward you a version that you can keep in the house; in these circumstances, if you live with someone else, your will can easily be found.
If you live on your own, it is still worth keeping a copy at home, in an obvious place that can easily be found. It is crucial you tell your executor where you are keeping your Will, as often people’s last wishes cannot be found because the Will simply cannot be found. However, it may also be useful to store a duplicate elsewhere – the majority of people who keep copies of their will away from the house often choose the Will Writer or solicitor’s office where they had it drawn up.
Electronic Wills Storage
It is now possible to store your Will electronically. The UK Will Registry Office allows users to store digital copies of their testament on their secure database, for a small fee. After a death, a close relative (ideally the executor) can apply for access to the document, after which it can be erased from the database. You should note, however, that there may be a charge for making alterations to your will if you store it with the Will Registry Office.
Bank Storage
Many banks offer a Will storage service and will charge a fee for this. It is unwise, however, to store your will in a safety deposit box at your bank as the box will not be accessible until probate has been granted, and probate cannot be granted without producing the original Will.
Probate Registry Will Storage
You can request your Will is stored at the Probate Registry office, who will charge you a small fee for doing so. Contact your local Probate Registry office for more details.
Legacy Wills Secure Storage
We offer all of our clients the opportunity to store their Will and Estate planning documents securely with us for only £20 per year for a single client and only £35 per year for couples and joint clients.
We will signature check your documents to ensure they are signed correctly.
You will be sent a digital copy of your will so that you can distribute this to your Executors.
You can amend your legal documents once per year should your wishes change, at no extra cost.
We will store your documents securely in a specific vault to ensure they are all kept safe and intact for when they are requested.
You will receive a digital storage certificate to confirm our receipt of your documents and their exact location. This will be needed when your executors require your documents to be returned.
Contact our Wills Specialists Today
If you are looking to know more about Will storage, wish to write a Will, or review an existing one, our friendly and knowledgeable advisers would be delighted to hear from you. We can arrange a consultation over the phone or in person, which can help us to build an accurate picture of your specific needs and requirements thus allowing us to advise you on every possible detail, and guide you smoothly through the entire estate planning process. Give us a call today on 0345 260 0600 or get in touch via our online contact form.