Where Should I Keep A Copy Of My Estate Plan?
As an adult in Massachusetts, you should have a comprehensive estate plan in place. Estate planning is important. It is crucial that your family, friends, and other loved ones know how to access your estate plan when the time comes. This raises an important question: Where should I keep a copy of my estate plan? The short answer is that you have several options available. An estate plan should be in a safe, easily accessible place. Here, our Boston estate planning lawyer highlights the best strategies for keeping a copy of your estate plan.
Four Places People Typically Keep their Estate Plan
Where is the best place to keep a copy of your estate plan? The answer depends on your specific situation. Here are four common (safe) places people in Massachusetts to keep documents:
- Fire Proof and Flood Proof Safe: A fire proof and flood proof safe at home offers a secure and accessible option for storing your estate plan. These types of safes not only protect important documents from extreme conditions but also allow immediate access.
- Safe Deposit Box (Bank): Some people opt to keep a copy of their estate plan at a bank or other financial institution. Storing your estate plan in a safe deposit box at a bank provides a high level of security against theft, loss, and damage.
- Secure Digital Storage: You can keep a copy of your will and other estate plan documents in a safe and secure digital location. Digital storage platforms often offer encrypted protection. That can protect sensitive information from unauthorized access.
- Office of Your Attorney: You can also keep a copy of your estate plan with your attorney. Keeping your estate plan at your attorney’s office allows for professional oversight and ensures that it is maintained in a secure, controlled environment.
You do not need to keep copies of your estate plan in all four of these locations (though you could). Many people opt to keep a copy of their estate plan in both a hard copy form and a digital form.
Communication is Key (Make Sure Loved Ones Can Get Access When Needed)
Your estate plan should be in a safe, secure, any accessible location. Regardless of where you choose to keep your estate plan, effective communication is a must. Your family, friends, and other close loved ones need to know how to access key estate planning documents. Make sure to inform key family members, executors, or trustees where your estate documents are stored and provide necessary access information or keys. You should leave clear instructions.
Speak to an Experienced Massachusetts Estate Planning Lawyer Today
At Fisher Law LLC, our Massachusetts estate planning lawyer is skilled, experienced, and committed to justice. If you have any questions or concerns about any aspect of the estate planning process, please do not hesitate to contact us today. We provide estate planning representation throughout the Greater Boston metropolitan area, including in Norwood, Walpole, Dedham, and Westwood.
