Will and Document Storage
Secure Document Storage: Safeguarding Your Will with The Will For You
Writing a will is a significant step in planning for the future. However, just as important as creating a will is ensuring its safekeeping. At The Will For You, we emphasise the importance of secure document storage to protect your will and your wishes.
The Risks of a Lost Will
- Intestate Distribution: Without a valid will, your estate may be distributed according to the rules of intestacy, which may not reflect your wishes.
- Legal Complications: Proving the contents of a lost will can be complex and costly, leading to potential disputes among beneficiaries.
- Delayed Probate: The process of settling your estate can be significantly delayed, adding stress and uncertainty for your loved ones.
The Role of Affidavit Evidence
In cases where a will is lost or suspected to be destroyed, affidavit evidence may be required. This involves a statement made under oath, typically by the person responsible for the will’s loss or destruction, explaining the circumstances. Affidavit evidence is used to reconstruct the will’s contents or confirm its existence, but this process can be challenging and is not always successful.
- Professional Storage: The safest option is to use professional will storage services through The Will For You. These services ensure your Will is kept in a secure, fireproof, and confidential environment. The Will For You offers such services, providing peace of mind that your Will is safe and can be easily accessed when needed.
- At home: Storing your Will at home is another option. Just ensure that the executors know where it's kept.
- Bank Safety Deposit Vault: Avoid storing your Will in a bank safety deposit box. Access to these boxes can be restricted upon your death, making it difficult for your executors to retrieve the Will in a timely manner. In some cases, you won't be able to access the Will without the Grant of Probate - the same grant that Will is needed to obtain.
Secure Document Storage with The Will For You
It’s imperative that once you’ve written your Will it’s kept safely. We offer a secure solution for this:
- Safe and fully insured document storage facility.
- We help you to put together a list of assets and where they are held so that your executors can find them easily and have the info available without the need to go searching through your house or for possessions.
- We store your Wills, LPAs, marriage/death certificates, probate details of any late spouse, any trust information, insurance policies and other items. Give us a call if you have any questions.
- The Will For You is the agent on the facility and will assist with retrieving documents at the necessary time if required by family members - all for small annual payment by standing order. Please contact us to find out more.