How to store a will

Once you have written your will and signed it in front of witnesses, it is extremely important that you store the will correctly. If the will is ruined or cannot be found, it is useless. So, how should you go about storing your last will and testament?

1. Make 100% sure the document has been signed and witnessed correctly

   Unless your will has been drafted, signed and witnessed according to the law in your province or territory, it is not legally valid. This is why it is highly recommended to use a professional will writing service. Do not attach or staple anything else to the will – if you wish to leave any explanatory notes, passwords for online services, messages, etc, leave them on a separate document to be stored alongside the will.

2. Destroy any former wills

   One of the key functions of a last will and testament is to revoke (i.e. invalidate) any former will you may have written. This being the case, it is time to get rid of any old documents. This is important because, in the case that your executors could not find your current will, they could refer to the outdated document and follow the out-of-date instructions in there.

3. Store your new will somewhere people can find it

   If nobody can find your will, there is no point in having it. Many people choose to store their will with their lawyer but this is not always necessary. Professional services exist which store your last will and testament in a secure place, such as a fire-proof safe. The crucial thing is that, when the time comes, your executors can find the document to carry out the instructions.

4. Do not store your will in a bank safety deposit box

   Never keep your will in a bank safety deposit box. When someone dies, the bank can’t open the deposit box until the person executing your will gets permission from the court to administer your affairs – this is called “probate” – and probate can’t be granted without the will.

5. Tell your executors where the will is stored

   Once you have decided how to store your will, it’s essential to let your executors know where it is and how to get it. Don’t just tell them – write it down so they can access the information in years to come.