How to Safely Store Your Estate Planning Documents for Easy Access

Where Should You Store Your Estate Planning Documents for Safety and Quick Access? When you create your estate plan, it is essential to think about where to store your important documents. These documents include your last will and testament, trust agreements, durable powers of attorney, and health care planning tools; all of which need to be kept safe and accessible. So, where is the best place to store them? 

1. Keep Copies in a Secure, Fireproof Safe  One of the best ways to store your estate planning documents is in a fireproof safe at home. This provides security against theft or damage from fire, water, or other disasters. Make sure the safe is in an easily accessible location, but one that is not too obvious. 

2. Store Documents with Your Attorney  If you do not want to keep your documents at home, you can store them with your attorney. Most law firms offer safekeeping services for a small fee. This is especially useful if you need someone else to have access to the documents when needed. 

3. Use a Trusted Third-Party Document Storage Service  There are also third-party services that specialize in storing important legal documents. These services can keep your documents safe and offer access in the event of an emergency. Be sure to choose a service with strong security protocols and one that is easy to access when required. 

4. Inform Your Trusted Contacts of the Location  No matter where you store your documents, be sure to inform a trusted family member or friend about their location. If something happens to you, they need to know where to find your estate plan in order to follow your wishes. 

5. Digital Copies for Convenience  While physical copies are important, digital copies of your estate planning documents are also useful. You can store these in a secure online cloud service, but make sure they are password-protected and accessible only to trusted individuals. 

We know this article raises more questions than it answers. Our firm offers a number of legal services designed to help you and your family. We understand that not everyone can come into our office. Unlike other firms, we can make arrangements to come to you. Let us know when you call us at (502) 348–4873 to set an appointment or fill out our contact form, and we will contact you to coordinate a meeting based on your individual needs.