Many adults in Texas do not bother to create an estate plan. They procrastinate or convince themselves that they don’t need written instructions to help their loved ones after they die. Even those who do create estate plans do not necessarily set their families up for an easier time during probate proceedings.
Sometimes, people leave their wills and other estate planning paperwork in a place where their loved ones cannot find them. The proper storage and protection of estate planning documents can be as important as the decision to create them in the first place.
Where should someone store estate planning documents to better ensure that their loved ones can locate and refer to those documents during probate proceedings?
In a safe with fire protection
Many people decide to install safes in their houses to store their most valuable documents. A safe often has a rating to protect items inside from fire damage at certain temperatures for a set amount of time. Safes are generally large and hard to open. People can also secure them to the structure of their homes in a way that makes it very difficult for thieves and other parties to remove the safe. A safe can therefore be one of the most secure locations to keep testamentary documents and other crucial paperwork.
With a trusted lawyer
People typically work with a Texas estate planning attorney to draft their wills and other documents. They can then leave information in their homes or with their loved ones confirming the identity of the lawyer who has their documents. This approach can be beneficial in scenarios where people believe they may move later in life or where they feel like family members might have an incentive to destroy or tamper with their documents.
In a safe deposit box
Occasionally, individuals may store legal paperwork and other valuable documents in a safe deposit box at a financial institution. The solution can work in some cases, but it does have its own set of risks. If someone fails to pay for the box, the bank could refuse access to it or even get rid of its contents eventually. Other times, family members may not be aware that someone has a safe deposit box at a bank and could move forward with their estate as though they died intestate.
Choosing the right way to store a will and communicating the storage method with family members can both be important for those who hope to leave a particular legacy after their passing.
