What should I do with my Will once it has been signed?
Once you have signed your Will and had it properly witnessed, it is tempting to put it in a drawer and forget about it. You do now have to make sure however that it is safe and can be found when it is needed.
The original signed Will is required when applying for the Grant of Probate. A scan or photocopy is useful for reference, but it is essential to keep the actual original signed Will safe. A missing Will can mean delays and uncertainty for your family and friends.
Where should I keep my Will?
Choose somewhere at home to store your Will which is secure and where you keep other important documents. Think about access too. A locked safe is only helpful if your executor knows how to get in to the safe after your death. It is also not a good idea to leave a Will in a safety deposit box at a bank or suchlike, as it is unlikely your executors will be permitted to access it without the Grant of Probate.
Tell your executors where it is
Your executors are the people appointed in your Will to deal with your affairs after you die. Tell them where the original Will is stored and make sure they can access it easily.
Leave the original intact
Do not write amendments on your signed Will, do not remove its staples or attach other papers to it. Marks or missing staples can raise questions with the Probate Registry about whether something has been removed. This may lead to requests for further evidence which can slow the process down considerably.
Make things easier for your family
Keep a separate, up to date record of your accounts, investments, pensions, insurance policies and important contacts. Your Will says who should inherit, but your executors will still need to establish what you own. The record can be stored with the Will. It does not need to contain the passwords to accounts, just the names of the financial institutions (and country) where the assets are held.
Remember to review it
Review your Will every few years and whenever your family or financial circumstances change. Take advice before marriage or a civil partnership, as they usually revoke an existing will, unless it was specifically made in contemplation of that event.
A properly prepared Will should make life easier for the people you leave behind. Keep it safe and up to date.