Skip to main content

Storing your signed Will

Once your Will has been printed, signed, and witnessed according to the instructions, keep the pages together and store the original somewhere safe — for example, a home safe, a fireproof box, or a safe-deposit box.

Two things matter most. First, choose somewhere that protects it from loss or damage but can still be reached when it's needed. Second, make sure your executor knows where the original signed hard-copy Will is and how to access it — if it can't be found when the time comes, that can cause real complications for your loved ones.

It's also worth knowing that the signed, witnessed original is generally the document courts expect to see. A digital copy or photocopy usually isn't treated the same way, so look after the original carefully.

If you need personalized advice, consider consulting an estate planning attorney in your state.

For more information about our free Will-writing platform, visit our Help Center.



EveryWill is not a law firm, and does not provide legal advice. This article is provided for educational purposes only; it is not, and should not be taken as, legal, tax, or financial advice. Laws vary by state and change over time, and this article is not a substitute for the advice of an attorney licensed in your state who knows your circumstances. Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship with EveryWill. Use of EveryWill’s platform and services is subject to its Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Did this answer your question?