FAQ: Where should I keep the documents?

Sarah and John Smith did a great job of organizing their life and getting an excellent estate plan in place. They put the originals in a safety deposit box. But, they forgot to give access to their appointed personal representative. They also did not share where the key was. The personal representative could not get into the box to get the original will and trust so that the estate could be distributed. Nor could she get the original will to get the judge to order the box opened.

In a safe place. But what is a safe place?

First, it is somewhere your agents named in your power of attorney, trust, and will can find them. Your representative should know where the documents are and have access.

If they are kept in a safety deposit box, your representatives should have access and a key to the box.

If they are kept in your home, then make sure your representative knows where they are and how to get to them. If in your home, preferably in a fire proof box.