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Writing a will is a crucial step in building your legacy: having a will ensures your assets are divided up according to your wishes, and the people you love don’t miss out. However, it’s equally important that your will is stored properly so that it can be accessed and used when it’s needed. In this guide, we'll explore the various aspects of will storage and best practices.
Professional will storage makes sure your will is secure in an environment that protects your key legal documents from damage, loss or tampering. By being stored in a safe, certified environment, the risk of any dispute to the legal validity of your original will is significantly reduced.
You don’t need to store your will professionally, but it is recommended.
Only the original version of your will (which has the ‘wet’ written signatures of you and your two witnesses) is legally binding. Any will copy, such as a photocopy, a digital version, scan or PDF, is not legally valid, as it doesn’t have your, and your witnesses’, original ‘wet’ signatures.
The importance of this one document, and the fact you can’t have a backup version, is why it’s best to store your original will professionally to ensure it remains secure, stays in perfect condition and doesn’t get lost.
Octopus Legacy offers a world-class accredited will storage service. We offer a fireproof and waterproof custom-built, secure facility, which is secured through monitored intruder alarms, CCTV and access control measures, to ensure your documents are kept safe and sound.
Possibility of Damage or Loss
If your original will gets damaged in any way, it could be declared invalid by the courts, even if there are copies of it – so you need to keep it safe.
Many people store their wills at home, but by doing so, their will could be more at risk of water damage from flooding, damage from a fire, loss from burglary or general filing chaos.
Octopus Legacy’s will storage is custom-built to protect documents from fire and water damage.
Security
Choose a will storage option that has robust security measures, so that your sensitive information is protected from unauthorized access or tampering. This is why we offer a secure facility with monitored intruder alarms, CCTV and access control measures.
Accessibility
Ensure that your will is stored in a location that can be easily accessed by designated individuals, such as you, and your executors, when needed. This prevents any complications or stresses about its whereabouts.
Wills in our storage facility can be accessed quickly by simply contacting us, and we’ll send it to you via tracked postage within 7 working days, or sooner if required.
Updates and Revisions
Wills are living documents that change over time. Make sure you pick a storage method that makes it easy to update and amend your will over time.
Make sure your Will is Signed
Make sure both you and your witnesses have signed and dated your will before it goes into storage. Your will is not legally binding until it is signed.
Bind your Will Properly
Check you have bound the will together by stapling it or using a binding service. It is important to choose a way of binding your will that will still allow it to be easily photocopied, as this reduces the risk of the document being taken apart.
Please remember to only bind the will itself. Don’t include or attach any instructions or other documents. These could mark the will and potentially mean its validity could be questioned by probate authorities after your death.
Choosing a Secure Location
Select a storage location that protects your will from theft, damage, loss or tampering. Follow will storage facility instructions to ensure your will arrives there, safely and securely.
Tell Trusted Friends & Family
Communicate the location and details of your will to trusted family members, executors and beneficiaries, or legal professionals who may need to access it in the future. We provide you with a document that you can store in your home and share with your executors so that they know where to find your will when that day eventually comes.
Reviewing Regularly
Schedule regular reviews of your will to ensure it still reflects your wishes and circumstances, and make updates or amendments when necessary.
Proper will storage is essential for safeguarding your legacy and ensuring that your wishes are carried out effectively. Make sure to prioritise security, protection, accessibility, and legal compliance when it comes to storing your will; this will help not only protect your assets but also provide peace of mind for both you and your loved ones.
Is it necessary to update my will regularly?
Your will is a living document, as life changes your will should too. That’s why the government recommends you update your will at least every 5 years, or every time you have a major life change.
Who should I tell about the location of my will?
Make sure trusted family members, beneficiaries, or legal representatives are aware of where your will is stored and how to access it.
What happens if I lose my original will?
Losing the original copy of your will can complicate the probate process. If your original will is lost, it’s worth rewriting it so you have one just in case it can’t be found.
Can I store other legal documents alongside my will?
Yes, you can store other documents such as trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives with your will to make sure they’re safe and sound.
