Keeping your will properly is just as important as writing it. Ultimately, if your will is lost, destroyed, or unavailable after your death, it may as well never have been. There are several choices available in Ontario for protecting your will, each having pros and downsides. Here are the ideal locations to keep your Will, regardless of whether you drafted it yourself or worked with a will drafting lawyer.
Storage at Home
One of the simplest and least expensive solutions is to keep your will at home. You can access the document anytime and have complete control over it. Your Will is protected from natural disasters if placed in a secure safe. Avoid conventional hiding places such as beneath a mattress or in a shoebox, as these could be missed or thrown away, and make sure your executor or family is aware of the precise position of the document. However, if appropriate precautions aren’t implemented, home storage might be dangerous. The Will may be lost, stolen, or damaged.
With your Will Drafting Lawyer
Many people give their Will drafting lawyer their trust to keep it safe. By selecting this option, you can be sure that the document will be safely saved and readily available when needed. An attorney ensures the will is stored in a safe, fireproof location and executors can readily access it at the attorney’s office. Additionally, if your situation changes, your attorney can update or revise the will. Although it’s convenient, there may be storage costs associated with keeping your will with your attorney. Make sure your family is aware of the lawyer’s contact details and that they can reach them in the future.
Safety Deposit Box
Safety Deposit Box As a discreet and safe way to save vital documents, banks provide safety deposit boxes. These boxes are extremely safe and secure from water, fire, and theft. Make plans for shared access to guarantee accessibility so that your executor or a family member you may trust can view the document without a court order, which could cause the estate settlement process to drag on. It might also be convenient to save other vital documents with the will, such as insurance policies and property deeds. Safety deposit boxes are extremely secure, but if shared access is not arranged, it is difficult for the executor to gain access as it would require your will. Discuss the procedures with your bank to ensure your executor can easily obtain the papers.
Services for Online Will Storage
Online will storage services are becoming increasingly common. A digital copy of your will can be stored on a safe platform thanks to these services. Digital storage shields the Will from physical harm, and executors can access the document anytime and anywhere. You can even name an executor with certain services, and they will be informed automatically when you die away. Examples include legal document vaults provided by estate planning firms and the Canada Will Registry, which assists executors in finding your Will. A tangible copy of your will should not be replaced by digital storage, notwithstanding its convenience. Make sure the physical original copy is kept in a safe place as well.
The Superior Court of Justice Office
The Office of the Superior Court of Justice in Ontario is where you can deposit your will for safekeeping. Those who choose a government-managed storage solution will especially benefit from this option. With the right identification and proof of death, executors can access your will. To deposit your will, you must bring the original document, pay a small cost, and get a receipt. Executors are required to complete the required retrieval procedures and produce this receipt. However, during the testator’s lifetime, the will is only available to them, which could be problematic if revisions or updates are required.
Registry Services
You can keep or register the existence and location of your will using Ontario’s private registry services. With this option, executors can find your will in one place. The Canada Will Registry and some registries run by the Law Society of Ontario are two examples. These registries lower the possibility of misplacement by making it simple for executors to find your will. Nevertheless, they only offer information on the document’s location rather than storing it. Make sure the hard copy is stored in a safe location.
Your Trusted Person or Executor
For safekeeping, some people decide to give their will straight to their executor or a dependable relative. Because executors can obtain the document right away when needed. This choice is simple and reasonably priced. However, improper storage could result in the document being lost or damaged. Make sure the person you give your will to is trustworthy and acts in your best interests.
Important Things to Think About When Keeping Your Will in Storage
No matter where your will is kept, let your executor and close relatives know where it is. To prevent needless delays or misunderstandings, give explicit directions. Ensure the will isn’t altered because any indication of unlawful modifications or tampering could result in legal issues. Your will may need to be updated in response to life events like marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child. To make sure your current intentions are reflected in the document, work with your will drafting lawyer. Although the original Will is essential, certified copies kept in various places can be a backup if the original is lost or damaged.
One of the most important aspects of estate preparation is keeping your will safe. To ensure its safety and accessibility, you should consider your individual circumstances, preferences, and the dependability of each storage option before deciding whether to store it at home, with a will drafting lawyer, in a safety deposit box, or through a government or private registry.
By following these procedures, you may be sure that your desires will be respected and that your loved ones won’t have to endure needless stress during a difficult time. To guarantee that your will is correctly created and preserved, seek the professional advice of a will drafting lawyer.
At Duensing Law, we provide will planning, estates, and succession planning services. As trusted will drafting lawyers, we ensure that your will tailored to your wishes. Whether you are updating an existing will or creating one for the first time, our services as a will drafting lawyer provide clarity, security, and peace of mind. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.
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