Storing a Will

We understand that sometimes important documents, like your Will, feel more secure at home, where you know they are safe.

However we do recommend that you consider storing your Will with your Solicitors for safekeeping.

The benefits of storing your Will with your Solicitors include: –

• Avoiding the risk of it being ‘misplaced’ or thrown away;
• If you need to amend your Will a Solicitor would have immediate access to it;
• It is easier for your Executors to collect the Will upon your death (as long as you make them aware where the Will is being held!);
• Solicitors have professional indemnity insurance meaning that if your Will is lost or damaged due to the firm’s fault your Estate may be compensated;
• While you are alive Solicitors cannot provide anyone with a copy of your Will without your consent. This therefore reduces that chance of someone accessing your Will without your consent.

If you store your Will at home, there could be potential risks such as family members not being able to access a safe on your death or simply not locating the document.

Bowcock Cuerden does not charge extra fees for storing your Wills, or any other deeds. If you are currently dealing with us for another legal matter and wish for storage of your Will, or deeds to be arranged, please let your Solicitor know.

If you wish to talk to a member of our Private Client regarding any queries, please call the office on 01270 611106.

This article is not intended to be comprehensive or to provide specific legal advice. It should not be relied upon in the absence of specific advice given in relation to particular circumstances.