Making sure your family will be able to locate your estate planning documents when they are needed is one of the most important elements of the estate planning process. Your carefully prepared will, trust, or power of attorney could be useless if no one knows where to find them.

When loved ones are grieving or faced with urgent financial and medical decisions, not being able to locate key documents can create unnecessary stress, confusion, and even legal complications. Here are some tips on how and where to store your estate planning documents.

Your signed, original will

There’s a common misconception that a photocopy of your signed last will and testament is sufficient. In fact, when it comes time to implement your plan, your family and representatives will need your signed original will. Typically, upon a person’s death, the original document must be filed with the county clerk and, if probate is required, with the probate court as well.

What happens if your original will isn’t found? It doesn’t necessarily mean that it won’t be given effect, but it can be a major—and costly—obstacle.

In many states, if your original will cannot be produced, there’s a presumption that you destroyed it with the intent to revoke it. Your family may be able to obtain a court order admitting a signed photocopy, especially if all interested parties agree that it reflects your wishes, but this can be a costly, time-consuming process. Additionally, if the copy isn’t accepted, the probate court will administer your estate as if you died without a will.

To avoid these issues, store your original will in a safe place and tell your family how to access it.

Storage options include:

• Leaving your original will with your accountant or attorney, or
• Storing your original will at home (or at the home of a family member) in a waterproof, fire-resistant safe, lockbox, or file cabinet.

What about safe deposit boxes? Although this can be an option, you should check state law and bank policy to be sure that your family will be able to gain access without a court order. In many states, it can be difficult for loved ones to open your safe deposit box, even with a valid power of attorney. It may be preferable, therefore, to keep your original will at home or with a trusted advisor or family member.

If you do opt for a safe deposit box, it may be a good idea to open one jointly with your spouse or another family member. That way, the joint owner can immediately access the box in the event of your death or incapacity.

Other documents

Original trust documents should be kept in the same place as your original will. It’s also a good idea to make several copies. Unlike a will, it’s possible to use a photocopy of a trust. Plus, it’s useful to provide a copy to the person who’ll become trustee and to keep a copy to consult periodically to ensure that the trust continues to meet your needs.

For powers of attorney, living wills or health care directives, originals should be stored safely, but it’s also critical for these documents to be readily accessible in the event you become incapacitated.

Consider giving copies or duplicate originals to the people authorized to make decisions on your behalf and providing copies or duplicate originals of health care documents to your physicians to keep with your medical records.

Clear communication is key

Clearly communicating the location of your estate planning documents can help ensure your wishes are carried out promptly and accurately. Let your family, executor, or trustee know where originals are stored and how to access them. Contact us for help ensuring your estate plan will achieve your goals.

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