Will Storage.

Put simply, will storage is putting your will in a safe and secure place where it cannot be tampered with, invalidated or lost.

Why is it important to secure your will in a safe place?

The original copy of your will is the only legally binding version. Therefore, if the will is tampered with, invalidated or lost, the executors will not be able to distribute your estate. Furthermore, scans, computer records, and photocopies are not legally binding, meaning they are worthless in the eyes of the law. 

If you need help with will storage today, call us on 020 3007 5500.

There are various methods that can be used to keep a will. However, by far the most secure way to keep a will is to have it stored in a law firm. Below are methods you should avoid when storing a will:

1. Storing a will at home

Although it doesn’t cost anything to keep your will at home, it is never advised. Unfortunately, with old age often comes memory loss, and this often causes various issues for individuals when attempting to re-locate a will they stored at home.

2. Bank safety deposit box

Whilst it may seem like a good idea to keep your will in a bank safety deposit, it is never advised. This is because banks cannot open a deposit box until the executor gets the probate (permission from the court to administer the estate) – and this can not be granted by the court without the will.

There are no hidden costs when storing a will with Britton & Time. We do not charge for the retrieval of a will and even go a step further, returning will’s to executor’s free of charge.

We will only release your will on 3 conditions:

1. You ask us for it personally
2. Your executor asks for it after you pass away
3. Your estate administrator asks for it after you pass away

When retrieving your will, you may need to provide documentation to prove your identity before we release it. Alternatively, if an executor or administrator asks for a copy of your will, we may also ask them for identification. These documents include:

• An original death certificate
• Your full name, postal address, and contact number
• Certified copy photo ID, e.g. passport or driving licence, for the person requesting the will
• Original or copy of address that has been certified, such as a utility bill, bank statement and council bill tax. It should confirm the name and address of the person requesting the will and date within the last three months
• If there are multiple executors named in the will, you will have to provide certified copies of their personal address and ID. In addition, you will also need to provide their written consent to the will being released to you as the lead executor

Britton and Time Solicitors cover every aspect of security when it comes to will storage, including:

• Wills are secured under lock and key in our safe room
• Only your executors will be able to access and withdraw the will from our firm after your death
• The will is covered by our firm’s insurance
• Registration on the National Will Register so your executors can always find your will
• You don’t have to worry about your important documents being lost or damaged

Britton and Time solicitors can help with all aspects of will storage, from the storing to the retrieval of a will, we charge a fixed fee of £30 + Vat (£36).

If you would like your will registered on the National Will Register, there is an additional £30 + VAT (£36) storage fee.

If your will is drafted by our solicitors, storage and registration on the National Will Register are included for free.