Storing Your Will Safely
From the Wills and Probate Team at Phillips Solicitors
Preparing a Will is only part of the process. Once your Will has been signed, it is important to ensure that the original document is stored safely and can be found when it is needed.
A professionally drafted Will can only achieve its purpose if the original document is available after your death. Taking a little time now to consider where it will be kept can help avoid unnecessary delays and difficulties for your loved ones in the future.
Why Does the Original Will Matter?
The original signed Will is usually required when dealing with an estate after death. In many cases, the original document will be needed when applying for a Grant of Probate.
If the original cannot be located, this can create practical difficulties and may result in additional time, expense, and legal complications for those responsible for administering the estate.
Should My Executors Know Where My Will Is Kept?
Yes. Whilst your Executors do not necessarily need to know the contents of your Will during your lifetime, they should know where the original document is stored or who they should contact to obtain it.
Providing this information can save valuable time and reduce uncertainty at what is often a difficult and emotional time.
How Should a Will Be Stored?
A Will should be stored in a safe and secure location where it will be protected from loss, damage, or accidental destruction.
When storing a Will, it is important to:
- Keep the original document flat and undamaged.
- Avoid attaching papers to it with staples, pins, or clips.
- Protect it from damp, fire, or accidental damage.
- Ensure that trusted individuals know where it is stored.
Where a solicitor is holding the original Will, it is advisable to keep a note of the firm’s details with your personal papers.
Should I Make Changes to My Will Myself?
No. You should not write on, alter or amend your Will by hand after it has been signed and witnessed. Handwritten amendments can create uncertainty and may affect the validity of the document.
If you wish to change your Will, you should seek legal advice about whether a codicil or a new Will is required.
Is Storage the Only Thing I Need to Think About?
No. Safe storage is important, but it is equally important to ensure that your Will remains up to date.
A Will that is safely stored but no longer reflects your wishes can create difficulties for your family just as easily as a missing Will. Major life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of children, changes in assets or family circumstances should prompt a review.
As a guide, it is sensible to review your Will every five years, even if there have been no significant changes in your circumstances.
How Phillips Solicitors Can Help
Our Wills & Probate team can advise on the preparation, storage, and review of Wills.
We can:
- Prepare new Wills tailored to your circumstances.
- Review existing Wills.
- Advise on updating your Will when circumstances change.
- Arrange secure storage of original Wills.
- Provide practical guidance to help ensure your wishes are properly recorded and protected.
Our aim is to make the process straightforward, understandable, and tailored to your individual needs.
Contact Us
If you would like advice about preparing, updating, or storing a Will, contact Phillips Solicitors to arrange an appointment with our Wills & Probate team.
A Will only works if it can be found. Making sure it is stored safely today can save your loved ones considerable difficulty in the future.
You can contact us online or call 01623 658556 (option 4).
Useful links
- GOV.UK – Making and Updating a Will: Guidance on preparing, updating, and reviewing a Will.
- STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners): Independent information on Wills, succession planning, and estate administration.
- The Law Society: Information about obtaining legal advice on Wills and estate planning.
This article is general information only and is not legal advice on any individual case. The correct advice will depend on the facts, documents, family circumstances, and capacity position.