Quote:
Originally Posted by aiy_yah
We got wills/power of attorney/etc. done years ago (5 or 6?) because we have 3 kids and I fly up north to work at a O&G facility. I have the hard copies locked up in a fire/water proof safe.
Does the lawyer keep a copy? If something were to happen, how does the will get dealt with?
I've name 1 brother as executor and another as the backup. They both are aware of the will and it's location, and that they have been named.
Is there anything else I need to do or be aware of?
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Some law firms will keep the physical will on file at their office but it is becoming less and less common as it's a lot of liability for them to carry. Plus it's hard to 'retire' when you're custodian for 350 wills lol. We retain a scanned copy of the executed will but do not retain the original.
Generally speaking, you want to keep the will in a place that is safe from damage and theft but also accessible to your named executors. Do not make any notes or markings on the original will itself as that can cause issues during probate. Keeping a will in a safety deposit box is safe, but it can be difficult for an executor to access.
Discuss with your executor(s) where the will is kept so that it can be retrieved when needed.