So you've printed and signed your Will...now what? Your Will isn't going to be of much value if it is destroyed or cannot be found/accessed when the time comes, so you need to make sure it is stored somewhere that is both safe and accessible.
In keeping your Will safe, make sure that:
It is somewhere that it won't be easily damaged.
It is somewhere that it cannot be easily tampered with.
To make sure it is accessible, be sure that:
It is not locked in a safe or place that only you can access.
Your family is able to get to the document when they need to.
At least one person knows of its location.
Common places to store a Will include in a locked filing cabinet or safe at home (where someone else has access), or with a trusted professional or lawyer. A bank or safety deposit box may not be the best idea unless someone else has access to it and knows your Will is in there. Just make sure someone knows where to find your Will when the time comes! Safewill offers free storage for your original signed Will. To mail your Will for safekeeping, send it to: Safewill, PO Box 533, Surry Hills NSW 2010. If you are in New Zealand, it is recommended to keep the original signed Will within the country to avoid delays in probate proceedings.
Safewill also allows you to securely store a digital copy of your signed Will, giving you the added peace of mind that your Will can always be located. You can even notify your Executor that your Will is stored with us, providing an added measure of security that your document can be accessed by those who need it, when they need it You can also upload a digital copy of your signed Will to your Safewill account as a backup. To do this, log into your account, select 'File Upload' from the side menu, and follow the instructions to upload your signed Will. Additionally, Safewill’s Digital Vault allows you to securely store other important documents, such as asset details and funeral wishes, ensuring your executor has all necessary information. Notify your executor about the location of your Will and any uploaded documents..