A will is something many put off until later in life, despite the fact that you should create one as soon as possible, as it’s one of the most valuable estate planning tools. If you own property, have children, or deposit money into a savings account, you should start drafting a will Luckily, a Woodland Hills will attorney can help you create and store your will safely. Keep reading to learn why this is so important and the most common places to keep an estate plan.
Does It Matter Where You Store Your Will?
Your will means nothing if it is destroyed, lost, or damaged. Unlike other documents like licenses or passports, a will is challenging to replace, making the need to keep your will safe all the more essential. However, you’ll want to make sure the will is still accessible. Just as your will isn’t useful if it’s damaged, if your executor cannot access the document, your wishes will not be honored. This means your estate will enter intestacy and will be distributed your assets according to state laws.
What Are the Best Places to Keep a Will?
In California, you may have the option to lodge your will with the superior probate court. Avoid asking them to file your document, as it can become lost in the thousands of other paper records in the courthouse. Lodging the will allows the document and any amendments or modifications to be delivered to the county clerk where the testator last lived. This makes finding a will easy.
However, if you aren’t comfortable with your will in a courthouse somewhere, there are other options. A common choice for many is to invest in a fireproof lockbox to keep in their home. These boxes are built to withstand intense flames and flooding, ensuring that the documents and items inside stay untouched. However, if you pass away without informing someone else of the key code or the location of the physical key, it can be nearly impossible to open the box.
Another safe option is to keep your will with your attorney. This ensures that your will is in safe hands. Inform your family or executor that your document is stored with the attorney so they can access it after you pass. In many instances, attorneys will hold on to the original copy of the will for little to no additional fees. When meeting with an attorney, you should inquire about this fee.
When you’re ready to create and store your will, the Law Office of Yacoba Ann Feldman is ready to help you get started. Our dedicated legal team understands that drafting an estate plan can be confusing, so we can help you navigate the process with ease. Reach out today to learn how we can help you.
