Writing a will is a major achievement that most Americans never get around to completing. In fact, according to reporting from CNBC, as many as 67% of adults in the U.S. do not have even a basic last will and testament.
While it might be tempting to show off your completed will by hanging it on a wall, you are better off picking a safe place to stash the document. You probably should not lock it away in a safe deposit box, however. So, where should you store your completed will?
Find a location you can access
Completing an initial will is only part of being an effective estate planner. Indeed, for you to get the most out of your will, you must regularly review and revise it. Consequently, when picking a spot to store your will, choose a location that is easy for you to access.
Think about fire safety
You probably do not have to worry about theft, as thieves typically do not have much interest in legal documents. Fire, though, can quickly destroy the will you worked hard to write. As a result, it is usually advisable to store a finished will in a fireproof container, such as a file cabinet.
Talk to your attorney
If you employ the services of an attorney to draft your will, your lawyer is likely to keep a copy of the completed document. Still, it might be beneficial to talk to your attorney about his or her storage procedures. Also, ask your lawyer about the process for obtaining your will from his or her office.
Ultimately, by finding a secure and fireproof location in your home to store your finished will, you occasionally can read through the document to ensure it continues to reflect your genuine intentions.
